When times are tough, a realisation comes around that highlights what the fundamentals are in relation to life and business...
Phew! What a year 2010/11 tuned out to be, I honestly am grateful to still be operating in business – tough is an understatement - but personally I’m happier than I’ve ever been. How does that work!?
I have friends who have an esoteric view of the world and say “the Universe will always look after you” and I think they’re probably right! Fear is an emotion that can cripple people when they’re faced with losing “stuff” but it’s one that I’ve managed to look in the face and move beyond – we’re more than our business, reputation, what we do – we’re individuals and all special in our own way...
Those who know me through business will probably be reading this and thinking “what’s she on!?” but it’s so true; family, friends, colleagues, relationships are all brought under the microscope when times are tough and I can safely say that I’m blessed. Conversely I’ve become less focussed on the outside world and what’s ‘expected’ of me and more about what’s ‘right’ for me. The experiences and people that weren’t there for my greater good or somehow stopped me being who I was / aspired to be are gone....and I don’t miss them at all!
What this year’s taught me about myself and my business is that I’m resilient and I will come through. The confident face that we choose show the world isn’t always the reality until it’s put to the test and asked to “sing for its supper”! People also have long memories – you can’t always be 100% ‘spot-on’ but integrity and reputation acquired over time garners support from the most unexpected places.
The support that’s out there for individuals and small businesses is fantastic if you just take your head out of the sand and look. I had great support from Business Link and the NWDA’s Group Mentoring programme as well as support from peer businesses, my supply chain, client base and more and I’m very grateful. As far as group mentoring goes, putting six complete strangers in a room and suggesting that they open up to and help each other in their businesses seems a risky strategy but it works a treat (if you’re open to it)! I hope something of this sort of support continues post cuts....Mr Cameron did promise a focus on “the workers, the doers and the entrepreneurs” after all...
I once did a personality test which said the more pressure I was under, the better I perform which I suspect is why I’m in the PR / marketing field but I don’t think I’m alone. I’ve met lots of people who have come under enormous pressure over the last few years and are the stronger and better for it – starting up new businesses, responding positively to market conditions and pretty much taking responsibility for the situation they find themselves in and going for it!
Challenge and change have never been dirty words to me but I believe that, for the majority of people, this period in time will have a lasting impact which is life-changing. Whether this is positive or negative will depend on their attitude to it. Times are still tough and if all fails, it fails – it’s not because we’re ‘rubbish’ or the economy has let us down, it’s just because it’s not meant to be.
The support I’ve seen shown to companies and individuals that have had a tough time during the economic crisis is heartening. I feel it must be a time however when people stand up and realise the power they have to question “who or what got us into this mess?” and not just say “oh well” and move on. We’re all powerful in our own right and shouldn’t be dictated to by a small minority at the top who think they’ve done nothing wrong and their way is the best way (from whatever statistics they ‘choose’ to use)! Sometimes it isn’t....and frankly ‘your’ way is the ‘only’ way – for’ YOU’!
