Web Theologian

Bicanski

The phrase “what to do when life throws you a Corona” would have had an entirely different meaning a few months ago, instead of finding your beach or throwing your checklist to the breeze while letting yourself summer, the disease COVID-19 caused by the coronavirus has not only impacted the beer but is having a huge impact on the economy. Personally my week started with a major change of plans as two great conferences (TAUS Global Content Conference & GALA 2020) have been rescheduled or canceled. After a successful sponsorship at GlobalSakè Growth Conference these next conference grew in strategic importance to my 2020 growth plan at Translated. Living in King County Washington (Seattle), ground zero for the U.S. outbreak and my company headquarter in Italy, ground zero for the European outbreak, we are adjusting to being thrown a corona.

In the last few days, I have been adjusting my plan to take the new reality into account. Perhaps I’m behind the curve, right there thinking about the same things as you, or maybe these simple ideas will inspire and motivate you to focus during this time of uncertainty. Most importantly let me know what you think of them and if you have anything to add. I’m reminded of Zig Ziglar perspective having grown up in a small town during the depression and as he looked around he still saw people with large houses, swimming pools and fancy cars leading him to realize that regardless of your circumstances there is an opportunity if you have perspective. Here are a few of my ideas and suggestions:

• Remind yourself that the way things are today does not mean it is the way they will be tomorrow.
• Reflect and reconnect with those that have been the most influential in your career.
• Seek creative alternatives to the plan that you already had in place. If you want a great example of this, check out what my podcast cohost Renato Beninatto and Nimdzi are discussing around those “stranded” for GALA 2020 San Diego.
• Find the alternative areas of growth that you have neglected developing.
• Anticipate those that have it worse than you and offer support.

As challenging as this may be for business and individuals we are a part of a larger connected world, I’m working to care for the needs of others at this time. Hope to walk through this knowing it improved my thinking, refined our strategy and took the best care of others during a rough time. Look forward to the day we find our beach and this is in the past.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell