top of page
Search
    • Apr 21, 2020
    • 2 min read

Business in the time of COVID-19


We are in strange and turbulent times. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on small businesses and their employees. We're facing a harsh reality. Unemployment is the highest since the Great Depression nearly 90 years ago. In early March, there were less than half a million people filing for unemployment. By mid April, the Labor Department reported 10 million people filing for unemployment in a 2 week period. The highest number in a single week was 6.6 million in late March. Oxford Economics anticipates this will rise to 20 million in the coming weeks we will experience a permanent loss of output for the global economy.


Whenever I'm involved with strategic planning, one of the first things I ask for is an honest and frank discussion about the issues. Facing the painful truths of a situation isn't easy, but it's vital if a strategic plan will have any chance at success. We can't overcome an obstacle if we're afraid to talk about it.


The majority of us are experiencing grief, anxiety, and fear over the impact COVID-19 will have on our financial future. The idea of investing in the future seems far-fetched. But, the truth is now is the best time to look forward and invest in ourselves. ​Another thing I include in strategic planning is helping my clients learn to seek out the silver lining. It's awkward and painful to do during such extreme circumstances. But, if you learn to do it now then the way you approach any issue will forever change. It requires a shift in perspective to seek out what positives could arise from struggle. It prevents stagnation. It inspires a sense of hope. It motivates you to leap into action. Never before have you had time like this to focus on the backbone of your business. Instead of using your time in isolation to binge watch Netflix or rearrange your living room ten times, we can work together to reshape your business so it survives this pandemic and thrives when we're beyond it. 

refine your mission re-envision your delivery model update your branding & marketing evaluate the issues & develop solutions create "passive" income streams

Money is tight. It's true for me as it is for so many of us. But this is not a mere sales pitch. I need to survive but I am also dedicated to helping my community survive. I'm all about creative solutions and mutual aid. So, don't let money fears keep you from reaching out. We are in this together and we will find a way to make it work.


Tags:

Comments

The deer has economic and spiritual significance in both Choctaw and Scottish cultures. It is the deer that provides sustenance, clothing, and a means of trade.  For the Choctaw, the deer also signifies compassion. And both cultures see the deer as a reminder of cyclical patterns, regeneration, resilience, restoration, healing, growth, and guidance.

​

And though both cultures hold these ideas of the deer, I chose the name Deer Heart specifically because the Choctaw people embody these ideas. They walked the Trail of Tears knowing they would face hardship and death but they had a vision of health, balance, and rejuvenation for the Choctaw people. They show us what is possible when you are resilient through dark times and develop an ability to quickly adapt to change. A mere 4,000 people survived the walk. But the Trail of Tears did not destroy them. It made them more compassionate and giving. And now they are the third largest tribe in the United States, with over 200,000 enrollees located around the world. Their resilience and adaptability, combined with compassion and love of fellow man, allowed the Choctaw Nation to thrive despite the great adversity they faced.

​

I try to follow in my ancestors' footsteps by having my work begin from a place of compassion. My intent is to help small business owners find resiliency and develop strategy that allows them to adapt to change. I want to help members of my community overcome the struggles they face, restore their passion for their work, and develop the tools they need to not just survive dark times, but come out of it stronger.

bottom of page