Coronavirus and 9-11 – Written by CSP Sheryl Nicholson

I distinctly remember what happened to many businesses during the shock of 9-11.  Conventions and meeting places were canceled, airlines were grounded, $40 billion in insurance losses, fear, and panic.  And here we go again.  So what CAN we do?

1. Take advantage and work on YOU professionally. If you missed that learning conference, research LinkedtoExpert.com, Linkedin Profinder (and others) to find a local coach who will fill the gap that you were willing to invest time and money on at an infested convention.
2. Instead of sending your team to a rally – rally in-house. There are PLENTY of professionals that will come to YOU and build your team.  Plus, research has proven when you work with a speaker/trainer using bite-size training (once a week for several weeks versus a weekend event) you get better results.  Look for a speaker who offers follow-up and accountability support.
3. For your speakers and trainers who are now panicking because all your keynotes canceled or postponed, you too can work on YOU! Maybe it’s time to research a new topic, write a new book, start that podcast. Learn how to work those video conferencing apps, create an online course and develop new videos.

Business is always there – you just have to be creative.  One of the benefits of a crisis in the marketplace is the ability to be creative.  After 9-11 we learned to value and shop locally and support those entrepreneurs.  I went into a local shop and was amazed at the variety of food and products.  I then asked, “Wow, how long have you been here?”  “About 5 years” came the answer.  Then I was embarrassed that I had driven by that place for years and had never stopped in.  What local shop have you NOT been in?

Get creative.  I know that some of you out there are creatively thinking of ways to bring services to those who are homebound, using social media videos in a new way, determining new ways to market, developing a new extensive product for homeschooling, and more.  I can’t wait 30-45 days from now to discover all the new businesses and brag on you. A few years later you too will be growing and benefitting BECAUSE of this crisis.

Take care of yourself personally.  Finally, you will have time to spend with those you love.  Remember board and card games? Where’s the photo album for you to share family histories.  Spend time with an extended local family and talk about memories and funny stories.  This helps to lessen the stress for all.  Now’s the time to take that online language class, or read a great book, or get outside and plant that garden of veggies. How about de-cluttering that garage or home-office.  I could go on and on with ways to take advantage of this time and turn it into a positive event and memory.  If you need more ideas, subscribe to my podcast, Get a Life…Balanced.

Take a deep breath….You can stay home or at a business in fear and worry or you can get your to mind working on “what now?”  Brainstorm with other positive thinkers.  Create small masterminds that support each other’s business with quality referrals. Move from fear to focus.

It’s a great time to do business, you just have to do it differently.  Focus on YOU and then THAT.

About the Author

Sheryl Nicholson holds an earned CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation, given to less than 300 women in the world in the speaking industry.  She’s an International Professional Speaker, Author, and Podcaster.  She also personally coaches clients and is known for her “Results-Oriented” style.  You can view more at www.Sheryl.com and also sign up for additional tips on her website.

Her podcast is Get a Life Balanced and she’s written 7 books.