This is truly a scary and unprecedented time. The pace at which this pandemic is unfolding is rapid, and there’s currently no light at the end of the tunnel. Three weeks ago, I was brainstorming with a team about expanding their artwork internationally; now, the conversation is all about safety protocol and the financial steps needed to ensure job security for a workforce whose job can’t be done remotely. How quickly circumstances can change.
Despite all the frightening facts and swirling uncertainty, now is the time to act (and get creative). What’s impressed me in recent days is how quickly businesses have drummed up new solutions to help weather the storm (and how many people are jumping in to help small businesses however they can).
A few inspiring examples from good-natured humans:
A website developer donating time to help restaurants add online ordering or delivery functionality to their websites. (At this time, Illinois has mandated all restaurants and bars close for dine-in services). As if that wasn’t enough, they’re also building microsites for bars to raise funds for workers impacted by the closures.
An interior designer offering virtual sessions to help carve out functional home offices or a new room layout to allow for more indoor play. Plus, 100% of the money goes to charity — it’s a no brainer if you need help on the home front.
A company centered around printed goods for the food obsessed designing free weekly coloring pages to keep kiddos entertained. #SuperFoodHero
An acupuncturist introducing distance Reiki as an alternative to in-person treatments. We could all use some good energy right about now.
An artisan who moved their in-person workshops to Facebook Live and are selling kits so that everyone has the materials and instructions they need to make their own products (including RBG scrunchies!) from the comfort of their own home.
A brewery announcing the start of a weekly pizza and bread subscription to generate more cash flow, along with their own delivery service to keep employees on staff.
Feeling the urge to help? Here’s a few ways you can make an impact during this time:
Can’t be there to hug your friend on their birthday? Brighten their day with a bouquet from a local florist.
Pre-pay for services or buy gift certificates for the haircut or deep tissue massage you know you’ll desperately need after you finally emerge from quarantine.
Aid the marketing efforts of your favorite small business by leaving a review and/or promoting their work on social media.
Call or text people you haven’t spoken to in a while, especially the ones you think may be particularly worried or alone during this time of isolation.
We’re in crisis management mode, and I’m here to help. For the foreseeable future, I’ll be starting my morning with a virtual coffee date from 8:30 - 9 AM with any creative business owners who have questions, concerns, or want to brainstorm ways to creatively tackle this new (and hopefully temporary) reality. We’ll connect via Zoom video conference — just bring your burning questions (and your own cup of coffee). Whether you’re looking for ideas to manage current cash flow, planning for the future during this slower season, advice on whether to enforce cancellation policies, good books/resources to further your business knowledge, or helpful tools to connect with a newly remote workforce, you can sign up for a complimentary 1-on-1 session here: Virtual Coffee Date.
The most we can ask for is consideration of others, flexibility, and kindness as we keep rowing through these unchartered waters together. Sending you all a virtual hug — we’ll get through this.
Colleen
Note: Cover image designed by Holly Tyler Design. It’s my first (and favorite) piece of art I have hanging in my home office.