13. Change

We’ve been blessed with great weather in the UK this week. The sunshine helps me feel positive, and we need some of that right now.

How are you feeling about everything? I’ll admit, I’m bored of lockdown and, despite the easing of restrictions, I don’t fully trust what’s going on and feel like I want to continue to protect myself and my loved ones.

But it’s hard. Prolonged. Uninspiring.

Last year I gave up alcohol. This is harder than that.

Yet, I fully appreciate that I am privileged. I have a garden and space to move around so I don’t have to concern myself with others.

Our society is opening up. Whatever you think about that, it’s the reality. This means people are starting to look at places they can visit, holidays they may take, shops they can purchase from, events they can attend.

Part of the challenge with the coronavirus crisis is understanding where we are at any given time, and what the current mood is. What do you say and when? When do you start to sell? What do you sell?

Over the last few months, businesses have had to adapt. Some have been forced to shut up shop and are now preparing to reopen. Others have had to develop new products and services or pivot completely. Some have closed for good.

From my very unscientific research (questions to friends, fellow business owners and clients), and from my ivory tower, it seems to me that working out what to do next is not as difficult as working out when to do it and when to tell people about it.

But a large portion of the people I’ve spoken to are kind of relishing the chance to amend what they offer, like the pandemic has given them permission to change. A psychological imperative.

Of course, we shouldn’t need permission to change but if a pandemic is the spur then I’m all for that permission to be granted.

There are many outdated practices in my line of work; I’m sure there are in yours too. It seems to me that now is a good time to remove them from our lives.

Let’s embrace the ‘new normal’ and the positives that come from developing new products, services and ways of operating. Let’s think about the benefits that these changes bring people and then let’s make sure we tell people about it with enthusiasm, sooner rather than later. Let’s get our message out whilst the momentum is building.

We need to make this situation work for us. We do that by taking control of what we can.

I believe in you.

With love,

Paul