Here we go again
Ooooof. How are you feeling today, as we stand on the precipice of lockdown v2? It’s fair to say that this year has been quite the kicker, throwing untold curveballs our way in quick succession and asking so much of our resilience, strength and agility on a daily basis. I’ve been running our business alongside my closest family for fifteen years now and never have I known a year to be quite so testing. But then, that goes without saying, surely, for none of us have experienced a year quite like this one.
There’s something different about this lockdown, too - in the Spring there was an energy that I’m fairly certain was powered by the uncharacteristically warm weather that gave us all a boost, offering up a hint of optimism as we navigated lockdown life. Yet this time, as we move towards the slower season of short days, robbed of daylight and warmth, you’ve got to gather up all of the positivity you can muster to keep your mood buoyant. Yes - this time is different.
And whilst the mood of the season might be stacked miserably against us, we’re wiser this time round. Most of us have already adapted to offering our services remotely. Many retailers have managed to get their businesses online. And whilst, devastatingly, there are of course those who simply cannot mitigate the rules of lockdown, lots of us can press on, and press on we should.
On Saturday evening, Dan and I shared a moment of gloom on the sofa as we reflected upon our friends and clients whose businesses have been sideswiped through no fault of their own, and we both spoke of similar feelings that we couldn’t quite name… and eventually we put a finger on it. That feeling was guilt. Guilt that our business is doing well, still welcoming new clients and still able to trade when others have had their business cut down at the knees. But wallowing won’t get us anywhere, so instead I’m choosing to view things differently.
I’m choosing to see the slower season as an opportunity to reassess. To really, really think about our values and what we can do differently to support those around us. I’m thinking about ways I can help those who are unexpectedly launching new businesses with a less-than-ideal amount of funding in order to invest in the essentials. An e-book perhaps? An online course? I’m still considering the options, but I’m determined to do something to help.
For now, I’ve thrown my instagram open to your questions about branding, positioning and marketing your business. You can catch it on stories if you hurry - send me your questions and I’ll do my very best to answer them.
