I don’t know about you, but here at c+p digital we’ve noticed our thinking shifting slightly. Dare we say, toward the positive? We’re not naïve, we know there’s a long way to go before we’ll see ANYTHING resembling normal, but it almost feels like we’ve entered a new, never felt before (in our lifetimes, anyhow) stage of this particular Covid-19 grief we’ve all been going though: let’s call it cautious optimism!
Here in Canada, individual provinces are at different stages of re-opening and loosening social distancing restrictions. But loosening they indeed are! Wheeee!!
And that inspired us this week to bring you a special, “rebuilding roundup” of some of our recent 4 AM Report podcasts. Instead of the gloom and doom of March and April, we’re focused on the new normal for businesses. And we wanted to share episodes that would inspire you as you navigate these new, still slightly choppy waters.
Of course, many entrepreneurs and business owners simply aren’t ready to take next steps. We know that. But inspiration only comes to you if you seek it. So, let’s celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and doing whatever it is you have to do that takes you to the next step and keeps you from jumping off those cliffs!
We’ve curated five episodes we think you’ll learn something from. Let’s get started.
Upending a Successful Business to Follow Your Passion? That’s NUTS! Or IS it?
Sandra D’Souza, Founder and Managing Director of Sandstone Solutions Group, talks about upending your tried and true business networks, what it’s like to feel like a “newbie” while dipping your toes into a new sector, and what it’s like to start again from scratch (sort of).
As an experienced business professional with over 20 years’ experience in senior finance and recruitment roles, Sandra shifted the focus of her very successful business – going from a comfortable money-making space, into new uncharted waters!
Very BRAVE!
That said, it’s not surprising that what keeps her up at night is breaking into a new audience segment and making those solid connections we all strive for in order to grow. 🌱🌱🌱
Why Publishing a Book Can Lead to Serious Business ROI
Be honest. We’ve all thought at one time or another “I should write a book!”…amiright?
Or, maybe you’re looking at the screen cock-eyed right now wondering why a business owner/entrepreneur should put the work in and get a book out?
Well, Scott MacMillan, President and Executive Publisher at Grammar Factory Publishing, brings the receipts!
Of those who wrote a book, 86% of them grew their business, 72% got speaking engagements, and 34% saw their overall earnings double! Plus, being published gave them authority and helped them stand out from competitors.
BOOM!
Building Relationships from Behind the Screen
Video might have killed the radio star, but it ALSO provided many (if not most) of us the ability to continue working during these crazy, Covid times. It’s also added a valuable extra layer to marketing efforts, if done right.
That’s why, on this episode of the 4 AM Report, we did a deep dive into how to slay your next video meeting. This top talk with a video expert – Janine Harris, executive producer at Keyring Media Inc., specializing in video for business – will teach you:
· Tips and tricks for looking fine on camera.
· How to jazz up your surroundings so people are focussed on YOU!
· And how to use video, in general, in your marketing efforts.
Pro-tip – good lighting should be your North Star! LOL
HR and Small Business – Invest in Talent Infrastructure BEFORE Crisis Strikes
We talk a lot about building out corporate infrastructure, most importantly digital infrastructure, that sort of thing. But more and more companies, large AND small, are realizing just how important it is to invest time, energy, and real emotional intelligence in your people.
Life Works Well’s Helen Patterson talks about investing in an often-overlooked part of small biz infrastructure – human resources! What better time, really, when the work-world is upside down!
You’ll learn why it’s so important to have HR policies in place BEFORE a scramble starts. Why the hiring process isn’t the best use of time for a busy entrepreneur. And why compassionate and humane leaders who treat staff with respect will sail through any crisis.
Solid content, and much needed as employees start to return to work.
Sick and Tired of Non-Stop Bad News? Get Ready to Be Covid Inspired!!
Ugh. The news-cycle these days is brutal. And as if 2020 couldn’t get any worse – we now have Murder Hornets!! Murder. Hornets. Ugh. In this episode, rather than doom and gloom and “what’s keeping you up at night?” we shift focus and bring you ALL THE GOOD NEWS!
There are some really exciting and innovative things companies are doing to stay in business and survive Covid-19, and we (Will and Susan, of course!) focused on four categories:
· The all-in, boots to the ground, search for a vaccine!
· Health and lifestyle/beauty (Hello! Remember haircuts?)
· Sports
· And technology
It’s a nice reminder that there still are great people out there and lots of good news these days. And that’s the type of content I know WE are here for!
We’re of course on Apple Podcasts – subscribe to us – you won’t regret it!
Plus, if you’re losing sleep over a particular marketing/business related problem during this Covid-19 economic uncertainty, or if you have a guest idea on the topic, let us know. Drop us a line at c+p digital.
And as always, sweet dreams…well, hopefully!
