In the current international situation it is easy to just sit there and accept your fate, or maybe simply try to stay afloat, but doing so would be a huge mistake. Now is the time to adapt. You do have not much choice if you want to survive this economical blow. Innovation is key in such circumstances and it is essential to have a plan, not only for the next few weeks, but also months or years ahead. Such changes might not make much difference to you in the immediate future, but they will surely help in the long-term.
So how can you think creatively and innovatively?
- Think of how to modify the service you provide. The focus should be on making changes that will not only affect today, but also the future.
- People might be mainly concerned about the essentials at the moment, so think about what your current and prospective clients may be looking for right now.
- Since people are social distancing, they are using online resources to keep in contact with the world outside. Make best use of these online resources in order to be closer to the people and their needs.
- Provide a service which is authentic and comes from the heart. You never know who you might be helping during these tough times.
- Since many will be wondering whether different businesses are still operational, make sure that your current and potential clients know that you are still in business.
- Think of other skills and expertise which you have not used in a while. How can these help you?
- Do not just modify your service but be bold and think outside the box. Look into growing and think of what you can do to meet the current and future demands.
- Think of what people have admired you for. What comes second-nature to you, but seems brilliant to others?
- Make use of brand loyalty. Are your clients very loyal to you? If so, how can you make best use of this to increase your rapport right now?
- Try to diversify from where you make money. If your main income stream has stopped, find alternatives to replace it.
- Work on building a new network of potential clients. While others may be focusing on trying to keeping their operations running here and now, use your resources to start new connections.
- Think also about the challenges your business might face in the future. This is to be done so that you can create strategies for different possible scenarios.
- Create new business partnerships in order to support each other.
It has now become clear that the coronavirus will leave some long-term business and economic consequences. Therefore, whatever you do in order to adapt to this situation, it is essential not to give up. Remain adaptable and flexible. You need to pivot according to the needs. While usually change takes time, today you do not have that luxury and so it is important to keep trying.
Resources:
Graham D. (2020) Managing Your Career during the Coronavirus Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawngraham/2020/03/17/managing-your-career-during-the-corona-crisis/?fbclid=IwAR1FdIf2pxpt_fMK4iPtxzcugN12wb69wMppo6zWS8hExPaeobtP-ndGUtM#2fb995a41b0e
Mogaji, E., (2020) Financial Vulnerability During a Pandemic: Insights for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Research Agenda Working Papers. Vol 2020 No 5 pp 57-63
TEDx Talks (2019, September 25). Lucy Hone: The Three Secrets of Resilient People. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWH8N-BvhAw
Ann Julene Hili is a Career Guidance Practitioner with Willingness. She specializes in working with teens and young adults who are in their educational and career transitions. She can be contacted on annjulene@willingness.com.mtor call us on 79291817.