My inbox has been overrun the last few days with “Here’s what we’re doing about COVID-19” emails.
Some of them I care about, like my hospital, doctor, and bank. But most are just PR noise. For example, I really don’t care what Marriott is doing considering I don’t have an upcoming trip planned and I haven’t stayed at a Marriott in years.
I’m not saying this isn’t serious. After all, governments don’t usually shut down borders and quarantine entire populations. But I can only control one thing – my thoughts.
So here’s what I’m NOT doing…
STOPPING
When we signed up to be entrepreneurs we were focused on the good times — how great it was going to be. You probably didn’t picture weeks like this but they come with the territory. The good with the bad as they say.
So what’s an entrepreneur to do?
Keep moving.
You had one day to curl up in the fetal position and panic about your business. That day was Thursday, March 12th. It’s past. It’s over. Now stand up and move. Even if you don’t know exactly where to go or what to do, now is the time to step on the gas.
I’ve had plenty of “what should we do” conversations with clients and friends this week. The recurring theme is to keep marketing, keep doing, keep creating, get out in front of it – be your industry’s leader.
Crisis always creates opportunity. For those who look for it, new markets will open up.
Loom is a great example.
They sent me one of the first “here’s what we’re doing about it” emails and they didn’t give the same tired corporate BS everyone else came out with. Nope. They came up with a way to help. They’re offering up their platform free to teachers and students. They also extended their free trial period.
It was a great example of moving. They’re making the most of a shitty situation.
Since then I’ve seen similar emails from other remote work applications.
What about you? How will you keep moving?
Right now there are millions of kids stuck at home and bored. There are adults who can’t get to work. There are strains on infrastructure and healthcare. Can you help? Can you entertain?
I expect the amount of screen time to skyrocket in the coming weeks. Are you positioned to sell online?
Better yet, are you positioned to deliver your product remotely? If you haven’t done it, now is the time to transition to virtual training or networking. The economy may be wounded but it can’t grind to a complete halt. It HAS to do something. People still have needs and with needs come commerce.
As for me, you’ll see me double-down on content in the coming weeks. I expect plenty of people will have time to consume it. They’ll be bored and looking for something to do. Who knows, maybe that’s researching CRMs or planning a new online program. Maybe they’d love to learn more about Ontraport.
I plan to be a leader during this weird time.
Join me — remotely of course — and let’s keep moving.
