Remember when working from a remote location such as the local coffee shop was common? Today, in Gregg County Texas, many of us are working remotely from the confinement of our own homes. Things seem to be in a tailspin across the globe. There are no definitive resolutions to what is happening right now. How does that relate to your business?
What is the future going to look like for businesses?
A prophetess I am not, but from the way things are looking it's going to be different. No one can say for sure, but with so many people out of work right now they are looking for new ways to make money. One of the opportunities that seem to be front and center, is the online business. Whether you're considering starting a new venture or you already have an established website going for you I would like to offer some suggestions.
Branding is more than a logo, colors, or images. It's the way you are known. What you believe in, what your values are, what you support in your life are all part of your branding. While things are so tough for everyone you have the opportunity to present yourself as a caring person, not a salesperson. I know that's hard to swallow if you are in need of income right now, but pitching your business when so many people are suffering is not the best time to do it.
Instead, let's think of ways you can help others and yourself. Be active on social media. Whether it's copy or video, you can be a sounding board for people in your community. Ask if they need anything. My real estate agent, Julie Woods, offered a connection email recently. It was something I had been trying to figure out how to do, but she has got it done. Here's the link if you'd like to do something like this for your followers. Another option is to handwrite letters to your family, friends, and clients. Snail mail is something I love to use because so few people take the time to write cards anymore. It doesn't need to be lengthy, but it should be personal. Want to up your game a little? Include a gift card to a local shop. Gift cards are one of my favorite things to get. Not only will you be supporting a business, but you'll also be bringing a bigger hug to the person you're sending it to. Win-win!
While many of us are at home, whether we're with children or not, we could all use camaraderie to lift our spirits. By nature, we're social beings. Give your family or friends a way to connect with you by inviting them to a Face Time or Skype call. Just seeing their faces will likely bring a smile to yours. Here's the thing, you need to stay positive. Keep the conversations geared to cheerful topics. Talk about the first thing you want to do when you are free to roam again. What has been a bright spot during this time? Talk about funny things you've seen or done lately due to our shelter at home situations. And if you're down and out yourself, message me. I'll be a shoulder for you to cry on. I'm a really good listener and I'm a vault of secrecy. I'll go to my grave with some interesting things sealed in. I hope that doesn't sound dark. It was meant to be light. lol
Lastly, check on your neighbors. Our entire family went for a walk the other day. So many of us were taking to the neighborhood that afternoon. A few doors down I noticed a Happy 4th Birthday sign by Card My Yard out front. It had the little guy's name, so I ran to the doorbell and then we waited at the curb for him to answer. We waved to him and he held up his four fingers. After a brief conversation from afar, we sang Happy Birthday to him. His mom smiled from ear to ear as she knelt down beside him. No doubt that it meant more to her than it did to him, it was just something nice that we wouldn't normally have done. But, why not? Because we're so involved with ourselves. This time of sheltering has undoubtedly made me notice how lonely others are.
I could likely write pages of ideas here, but I can't imagine many of you have read this far. Would you do me a favor? If you've gotten to this point and are happy to see the end is near, would you please drop me a comment? Tell me if you've done one of these things, have an idea of your own, or are just reading my blog because you've got some time.
Thank you for being a friend.
Be safe. Be wise. Be kind.
Zoe
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