25 Apr Time to Pivot

Covid-19 is a collective situation. Every individual is impacted in some way and we must be willing to pivot in order to adapt.

An entrepreneur recently reached out and expressed concern about not being able to conduct “business as usual” since the service they provide can only be done in person. He was also feeling a lot of frustration over not being able to help his current clients.

Countless people are dealing with the same concerns and frustration.

I have heard many people question whether they should even attempt to conduct business at this time.

Yes! Yes, you can and still should do business, but it must be relevant to what is happening now.

If your product or service is a fit in our current environment, there are people waiting for your help. Connect with them. Keep reaching out.

Maybe your product or service is not relevant right now, but the education, skills, experience and expertise you have, can give you the ability to adapt and adjust to meet current needs.

I believe everyone has something they could retool to help someone else. Take a deep inventory of your own skill sets, positions held, including duties and responsibilities. Write it all down.

Do not retreat. Dig deep. Yes, the channels of distribution have changed, but you can create new channels to keep money flowing. We all have a tremendous opportunity for growth.

People can find ingenious ways to pivot what they do, but you must be willing to “think your way through a problem.”

Ford Motor Company has revamped car factories to build ventilators. American Airlines is using passenger planes to move cargo. James Dyson created a new ventilator in 10 days. Designer brand Louis Vuitton is converting workshops to produce nonsurgical face masks and hospital gowns. A brewery stopped making beer and is making hand sanitizer. The list goes on.

Yes, we must accept the parameters of the current situation, but it does not mean that you let it define you. It is not what has happened with the pandemic, but how you choose to respond that will impact your life and business moving forward. It is easy to get paralyzed with fear and doubt, thinking you cannot provide value because you are unable to deliver or receive in the same way prior to Covid-19.

Being in a space of acceptance allows you to be fully present, so you can adapt and innovate.

One thing that crisis has shown us throughout history, is that it breeds ingenuity!

We all have new problems, but that also means we have new opportunities to create solutions.

First, in order to spot an opportunity, you must decide how you are going to be a benefit at this time. Look for the need you can fulfill based on your ability to do it.

What do you know that could be beneficial?

What are things you could create based on your current knowledge and skill set?

Is there an opportunity for you outside of your current arena?

Second, find the consumer and create a way to be seen. Match your message to their need.

And, do not hesitate to PICK UP THE PHONE! People want to be heard and feel connected. Ask how their business is doing and how you can help?

You have a golden opportunity to build your community. You could find out through the conversation that they are dealing with a specific issue that is a match for your skillset.

Expansion or contraction? The choice is up to you.

Money is still flowing, so let’s focus on what is possible!

Time to pivot!