dear 2021...

We're not off to a very good start. Wtffff....

Times are bumpy. I somehow thought that maybe 2021 would be a little gentler + bring with it hope.

But apparently that was too much ask....

In the US we are battling unprecedented covid spread.
Political upheaval.
An ever widening gap between citizens.
Poverty. Sickness. Violence. Fatigue.

And here we are almost a year later since we all begin to hear about this deadly virus, still faced with uncertainty + never ending challenges.

As a business owner + coach + support partner for my clients, it's been a super long year. We've navigated new guidelines, different approaches to doing business + creative ways to cultivate community, all while maintaining social distancing, staying healthy + not losing our minds.

Easy. Nope. Necessity. Yup.
And it's not ONE linear way fits all.
It's a dance. Spiral. Zigging. Then zagging.
Continuously being willing to pivot when necessary.
Constantly observing what's working + what's not working.
Being willing to let go.
Staying detached to outcomes.
Clearing space for the new.
Taking quick, decisive action and no room for second guessing.

Some of the ways my clients + I have stayed ahead of the game....

Local. Local. Local.

I know, seems odd considering we can't be social.
But good ole' fashioned phone. Outdoor coffee chats. Business + nature walks.
Calling upon old friends, acquaintances, other businesses, schools, churches + more.
Lots of conversing + teaming up to expand our communities, that in turn grows our businesses.

With so many folks gathering online, it's often hard to get heard through the noise...

In your local community. It's as easy as a phone call + setting up a time to chat.

Here's some food for thought:

Who's your ideal client?
Where are they most likely to be seen during this pandemic?
Where might your ideal client shop?
What's your ideal client doing in their spare time?
Who do I know that also caters to my ideal client?
How might I be able to reach out to them + partner up to help their business + mine?
What might that partnership look like?
What's in it for the business I'd like to partner with?
Do I have any friends who might know my ideal client?
How about acquaintances?
What about church groups, support groups, schools, local committees or meetups?

Put together an offering that would support your ideal client.

Put together a partnership offering that would work for both of your businesses.

Put together a referral offering you can offer to friends, coworkers, committees etc.

Make a goal to reach out to at least 3 new folks a day.
Send an email.
Make a phone call.
Send a text.
Connect through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or any other social platform you use.

Just make a point to connect with folks + chat about your business + their business + how you can both grow your communities through these trying times by helping one another.

In trying times, we've got to keep plugging away.
Rest when needed.
Try new approaches.
Be willing to fail fast.
And move onto something new.
And MORE rest.

Let's hope that 2021 starts to improve. I think we could all use a break from the insanity...

If you'd like support in your business, please check out my 'try me' session.

It's a full 90 minute session for $100. Chock full of real strategies, no fluff, real talk and next steps you can take to get your business moving ahead. Even in the roughest of times.

xxoo