How will you spend the next 30 days?
By Nina Kaufman, Esq.It’s March 18th, 2020. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a whole range of feelings about this COVID-19 thing. Not unlike Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s 5 stages of grief.
Denying there’s an issue because hey, I’m healthy and not in a high-risk group. Angry at the panic-inducing a**holes who create a run on basic necessities like … toilet paper. (Seriously? Of all things…?). Bargaining, as in I can use my co-working space as long as I engaging in social distancing, right? Sad, hearing about so many small businesses that are already struggling. And accepting that as snarky as I was about this just 1 week ago, I’m no epidemiologist. I don’t know what the future holds.
So what DO I know?
I know this is out of my hands.
- I can’t control that a state of emergency has been declared.
- I can’t control that museums, libraries, sporting arenas, schools, restaurants, and conference centers have shut down, so I can’t visit in person.
- I can’t control that just about all of my small business clients have been affected in one way or another. (Which means I have, too).
What CAN I control?
My attitude … and how I spend the next 30 days.
Do I have financial concerns? You betcha. But I hate feeling panic. To avoid that, I need to stay in action – even just little steps, one day at a time.
Here are just a few things on my list:
Networking with colleagues. You might not be able to meet in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t communicate. Phone calls, Zoom/video calls can counter the effects of “social distancing” with connection. Choose positive problem-solvers who buoy your spirits. My mastermind partners, Workplace mediator Nance Schick, Esq. and veteran online retailer Viv Vassar, are two of my faves on speed dial.
Going digital. Now’s a great time to look at what you receive and send by U.S. mail. What if you can’t access paper files, business checks, or other tangible items because your office building is closed? How might you make (or receive) those payments)? For example, I just arranged for certain book royalty payments to be made by direct deposit, instead of receiving a paper check I have to schlep to the bank to deposit.
Documenting my business systems. This often gets shoved to the bottom of the list when you’re busy because who’s got the time? You might have a little more time on your hands now. (I do). I’m going through my 30-Day Chaos-Proof Your Business Challenge and taking just 15 minutes a day or less to locate business documents, write down my systems for handling accounts payable, and identify social media accounts and passwords.
What’s on your list?
How will you spend the next 30 days?
Whatever you choose, make it an empowering one so your business emerges from this stronger than ever.
Have questions about working with Kaufman Business Law? This is the video to watch.
