The world has changed. Business has changed.

Back in early 2020, nearly overnight the normal ways of doing business changed forever.  Every business industry was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are now facing an unprecedented economic crisis worldwide.

Business has been affected in ways we could never have predicted.

Have you thoroughly worked through your entire business to make sure adjustments have been made to marketing (especially new target audiences), KPI (key performance indicator) setting for your team, training and new demands from your prospects?

It’s unrealistic to believe every business after this pandemic will be exactly as it was back in February 2020. If businesses are not proactive, addressing specific areas of their operations with new approaches and with a new mindset, it’s likely they will be added to the list of casualties of Covid-19.

So, what can you do right now to give yourself the best chance to succeed, even in the most challenging times?

One of the absolute keys is to own the solution and know that you are responsible and accountable. To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, be the change you want to see, because a business grows only as much as you, the owner or leader, grows.

In this issue, I’m outlining the first of nine keys to weathering the storm many business owners are fearing (more in the next two issues of Ōtaki Today).

Meantime, set priorities based on your specific business needs. Remember, resilience relies on progress, not perfection.

Mindset and perspective – elevate and focus forward

Staying focused and positive eliminates the risk of freezing in fear. Build strengths to help you get in the right mindset by using these simple steps:

1. Daily rituals

If you live a life filled with health, happiness, security and stability, you are living a rich life. It’s more than just wealth. Prosperity is about the depth and breadth of your existence. You need to develop rituals to help you stay on track. These rituals have to be consistent and routine. Some examples to keep your focus on the positives are:

•  Reread your goals daily.

•  Meditate.

•  Visualise great outcomes. It works and is one of the reasons so many good sports teams have ongoing visualisation coaches.

•  Go for a walk (or a bike ride, or whatever your version of that is) without phones or other devices.

2. Learn

Invest in knowledge. Learn new skills to add to your toolbelt. Invest in books, attend business seminars and add yourself to mailing lists for topics you need to know more about.

3. See change as an opportunity

Even the worst times bring opportunity. Focus on the positive developments, innovations and new options as the business landscape evolves. The glass is half full, not half empty. What “gift” can you take from the situation.

4. Find the small wins every day

Ask your team to share good news daily. Look to the positive things that are moving you forward.

5. Sometimes no news is good news

Unplug and find days when you can rest and isolate from the negativity. Remember, all your stakeholders will need support, too. Consider what your organisation is doing to address their needs. Being consistent and serving them now is more important than ever.

This is part one of a three-part article. See the December issue for part two.