Finding Opportunities Amidst Disruptions
We find ourselves in a situation that many of us have never encountered in our lifetime. The last pandemic, SARS and H1N1, was limited in its spread to certain parts of the world. This time, COVID-19 has hit virtually every corner of the planet and its effects are felt by eight billion people on earth in some form or fashion. Economic activities around the world came to a stop for several months.
The structure and routine that defined us were taken away, and we lost control of our lives. Simple trivial routines like driving to work, grabbing lunch with a colleague, and taking kids to sport practice seem like a time lost in the past. Although some of that normalcy has returned, it’s not the same as it was just nine months ago.
Many are struggling to fit into this new order. As humans, we tend to default toward the negative from the situation that we find ourselves in. Take a minute to think of this question—when was your most recent great positive experience? When I asked this question to friends, family and the people I work with, most are unable to articulate this. But when asked about a recent negative experience, almost everyone will find something to talk about.
This leads us to the question of thriving amidst this disruption. I know many small business owners and entrepreneurs that were hard hit by this pandemic. It is unfortunate that many businesses are struggling to survive, and some have shut their doors. Many have also lost jobs due to downsizing and lack of work and have felt the trickle-down effects.
No one has a crystal ball to predict what will happen six months or 12 months from now. But rest assured, there is always a silver lining to every crisis. Each one of us have a story to tell, and knowledge and wisdom to share that are of value to somebody else. No one can tell your story but you, and you have that opportunity to make a difference to another.
This pandemic has shown the resilience of so many great business owners that really took the bull by its horns. Instead of dwelling in the daily news feed and the negativity that surrounds us, they looked for opportunities—acquiring new business(es), improving internal processes, investing in good people (hiring and training), and exploring new business models.
In a recent survey that was conducted by Priority Solutions, over 95 per cent of business owners stated that they are thinking of new strategies to run their businesses. About half of these business owners turned that intention into decisive actions. It is crucial that you begin taking the necessary steps to shifting your beliefs. If you believe that the world has taken away what you have and the future is bleak, that is likely what you will get. Apart from your beliefs, you may also need to pivot your habits and shift your focus. Think of the capabilities that you need to acquire to move ahead. Do you need to learn a new software? New technologies, perhaps even learning how to use the computer? New way of marketing and getting in touch with your customers? Shift that nervous energy and find a new direction. Find that resistance that you are uncomfortable with and learn to embrace it.
Reflect on your business and your passions. If you need to hit the “reset” button to redefine your purpose and your business, now is the time. The successes and failures that define who you are today will not take you to where you want to go. It is all about where you see yourself in the next 12 or 24 months, and taking calculated, intentional steps to progress.
Many successful business owners that I have had the privilege to work with oftentimes mentioned that luck played a critical role in their successes. Although there may be an ounce of truth to that statement, in many cases their successes are due to perseverance, calculated risks, staying relevant and being connected in the marketplace. Most importantly, be ridiculously good at what you do while creating a great experience with the people you work with and your clients.
I believe each of us have a purpose to fulfill. Every business that exists today starts with an idea and a purpose. There is a reason why we are put where we are at this time in history. You have a talent and a skill that is unique to you that will be a value to others who need it. We will come out of this collectively stronger, kinder, gentler, and cleaner. If you have been thinking about starting your own business or to take it to a different direction, there is no better time than now.
About Priority Solutions
Since 2014, Priority Solutions have had the opportunity and privilege to support many clients – entrepreneurs, business owners, governments and large multinationals across the world achieve their productivity and business goals through a unique, methodical and measured approach that ensures that your specific needs and wants are designed for you. Call us and ask how we can help you.
We will even buy the coffee.
Priority Solutions is also a proud partner of Priority Management International, a globally recognized provider of productivity and leadership solutions to support clients in achieving more productivity and success through best practice processes and tools.
cktan@prioritymanagement.com | 306.531.5998 | priority-solutions.ca