Lessons Learned from the Pandemic Heading into 2021

This year has been more insanely difficult then I could have ever imagined - not only for my clients, of whom the majority are small business owners, but also my own own business as well as my mental health and personal/family life. When the buzz started in February and March about the new virus, I would have never in a million years have expected it turn into the ongoing nightmare that has lasted for now 9+ months and counting. That being said, this challenging time was also a time for self reflection and a way to step back and learn a few lessons. Heading into the New Year, I thought I’d try to articulate some of the lessons I’ve learned throughout the year

The Ability to Pivot is Key

Everyone knows the best laid plans go awry. In marketing and business, it is, of course, critical to put plans in place in advance, but I was in awe seeing small business pivot during the pandemic. Whether that was moving their offerings online and going digital overnight, creating at-home kits, switching gears to serve up what customers wanted or creating bundled products and services based on the needs of the pandemic, it was eye-opening and inspiring to see that pivoting being done. This really showed me that the need to be able to pivot is critical in any business, regardless of a pandemic. Even though it’s a lesson I already knew, for businesses to survive and thrive, it’s vital to remember that you need to stop doing something if it’s not working and switch to what is needed.

Innovation is Crucial

Not to mention the speed in which companies tackled the COVID-19 vaccine, the amount of innovation seen these past few months has been staggering. It has been humbling to work with clients who innovated and created amazing new products to respond to the pandemic. And, what really hits home is the idea that these companies and clients genuinely want to help others and make the world a better place. I think everyone has always known innovation is a necessity, but this pandemic really brings the idea to life. Innovation has literally saved lives these past few months and my appreciation to the people and companies that have put in long hours for the benefit and betterment of others is truly inspirational.

Continue Learning

When I was in college, I remember thinking well, that’s the end of my learning career. Never did I actually realize how learning is essential as you grow as a human, and also in business. I thrive on learning new ideas, new systems, new processes, new technology and new ways to help my clients. Heading into the New Year, the idea of what I’ll learn next is exciting! I think that this lesson has become more apparent then ever during the pandemic, as I had a chance to reflect and spend time opening up my mind and look forward to doing it more in the New year!

Wallowing is Acceptable

I have never, ever been a wallower in my past life. To me, there was no reason to dwell on the negative but I would say for the most part, always was looking ahead for how to navigate an issue and get to the bottom to fix it and the solution. One thing this pandemic taught me was sometimes you need a moment (or several) to fully wallow and experience the sadness and grief or anger before you can move on. When I found myself in a matter of days with no kitchen (it was ripped out 3 days before the stay-at-home order), becoming a teacher to my two Elementary-aged kids while trying to juggle work in a house mid-construction, I tried to hold it together. And, succeeded for a few days. But the breaking point came when our workers (and my family) had to quarantine for two weeks and put our kitchen on hold just two days before it was usable….. with no end of the pandemic in sight. Looking back, I think my hours spent crying were well deserved and needed in order to get back to a mentality where I could have a positive outlook for my family, business and clients. Now, if needed, I have a small time set aside for wallowing to let out my emotions and move on stronger then before.

Ask for Help

Admittedly I am not one to ask for help, but this is an important business and personal lesson, which I’ve even known to tell my clients in the past. They do what they do best and then ask for help for the rest, which usually is where I jump in! This pandemic taught me if anything that I personally need to take my advice and ask for help. That included everything from accepting dinners during the pandemic when my family was sick of eating microwave Mac N Cheese or Soup (because that’s all we had access to for two months) to hiring more support as my own business grows. No one can do it all themselves and luckily, there are ways to get the support needed, both in business and personally!

Loyalty is Indispensable

Brand loyalty is a term that is easily thrown around, but it couldn’t have been more relevant then in the pandemic. From a small business standpoint, particularly. I saw so many small businesses hurting and sadly, many have had to close their doors. However, the support that so many received from loyal customers was heart-warming, which came from a place of loyalty. It was wonderful to see people and businesses supporting each other. This taught me that there is absolutely nothing like genuine loyalty.

Empathy is Essential

Yet another principle that I’ve tried to follow but was even more evident during the pandemic and throughout the #blacklivesmatter social justice issues. It is critical wherever you in life to have an outlook of understanding and empathy, to see the concept or issue from another viewpoint or perspective. In order to grow and learn as a person or even a business, empathy is essential.

Be Thankful

Throughout these past few months, I’ve tried as hard as I could to count my blessings and see clearly everything that I have to be thankful for. Heading into the New Year, I have so much to be thankful for. My health, my family, my business, my home (thankfully with construction complete), a world that has refocused their social justice issues, great friends, a world outside to explore, local businesses who help the world run, technology that has allowed me to stay in contact with loved ones, a wonderful community, teachers and a school system who are supporting my children, a vaccine that has arrived….and so much more!

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy New Year! What other lessons have you learned both from a business and personal standpoint this year?