No Answers
A lot has happened in the world recently.
So much uncertainty.
I’ve noticed some interesting things happen due to the current world events. So many things are polarized. I’m either hearing about those who have lost tons of business or those who are scrambling to meet the demand. I see those who are calm, meeting the ever changing situations at hand with a slow, thoughtful response, or some (understandably so) frantically in survival mode, hoping to not lose what they’ve spent so long building.
No matter what camp you fall into (or if you fluctuate between the two extremes) there’s no judgement here. In one way or another, we’re in this together, fighting against the same enemy. This event has been the Great Equalizer, as I’d like to call it. We’re now all in the same camp.
No one knows the future.
No one has the answers.
Here’s the funny part: no one ever did. It’s just that now the illusion of knowing the future or having control over it is gone.
We’re all on the same playing field now. And that can actually be fantastic news. There’s a ton of clarity to move forward for the one who’s looking for it, willing to listen, and adapt as needed.
I don’t have answers to share with you. All I have are observations, thoughts, questions and a few insights I’m discovering about people and business through this time of uncertainty. So here are some that have popped up in conversation and thinking over the past few weeks. I hope they spark some of your own insights.
These times revealed what was already there.
If I had a scarcity mindset it’s been exaggerated because of these times. If it was abundance, same thing. People’s true characters are surfacing.
What do your recent behaviors tell you about your current mindset?
I should be in the mindset of giving, not making quick money.
This should have been my focus all along anyway. There are so many new problems now out in the world to solve. As a creative problem solver, this is my call to jump in and start finding those problems. There’s plenty of opportunities for those that are willing to put their agendas aside and listen.
I know it’s hard, especially if we’re in need.
Which brings me to my next point…
To fill my own “bucket” I must fill someone else’s.
Through giving, I will eventually receive that back and more.
I have enough to do good.
Each of us, with what is “in our hand,” (ie. what we have within our network, talents, skills, or sphere of influence) has enough to do something good right now. I have enough to do good with what I have, where I’m at, for the people I already know.
People might not need brands right now, but they do need community.
People need each other more than ever during this time. Communities are growing like crazy to help support one another. Brands may not be the number one thing that will be built right now, but it’s the PERFECT time to build tribes. Brands are birthed from serving a tribe’s needs and wants. Why not take this opportunity to gather and serve tribes?
People may not be spending money, but they are “spending” their trust, time, and attention.
And when we get through this, they’re going to ask themselves “where were you when sh*t hit the fan?”
Just show up.
I don’t have to know the answer or have a solution. Starting a conversation is enough. Listening and asking questions is enough.
I hope you and your family are well and staying safe and healthy. <3
Melinda
This post was originally sent to my newsletter subscribers on March 23, 2020.
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