How are You Supposed to Hustle During a Global Pandemic?
It’s Not Personal: When you’re your own boss, it’s all too easy to take everything personally.I mean, how could you not? Your business is more than a job: It’s your lifeblood. Chances are, business looks way different than it did four months ago — and that’s okay. Whether you’ve lost a client or business is a little slow, remember that we’re all in the same boat. Take setbacks with grace and leave the door open for future collaborations. This too shall pass and, if you handle this time with confidence and compassion, customers and clients will return.
PIVOT: How can you bring value to your customers, clients, and community right now? I love to see my fellow hustlers identify the needs in their respective industries and pivot their businesses accordingly. At Feminist Goods Co., Lauren Harbury added CDC-compliant face masks to her roster of girl-powered clothes and accessories. (Oh, and did I mention these masks come with wire in the nose to ensure a snug fit? Genius.) As the founder of her eponymous media firm, Wolf PR, Nora Wolf realized many small businesses don’t have the budgets to hire full-time publicists. So, she and BFF Kirsten Larson launched Wolf Craft, a service that teaches small businesses how to get press coverage. It’s a scary time, and the futures of many businesses are uncertain. But, what would Ross Geller do?
Turn Lemons Into Lemonade: Between staying cooped up at home and wearing the same sweats for days in a row (hey, we’ve all been there), it’s easy to feel stuck. For some, it’s been the extra push they needed to take the leap of faith. Stephanie Wong recently launched her own brand strategy business, sharing that the shelter in place order has been her “creative retreat.” (FYI: She also teaches virtual yoga classes if you want to get your flow on.) Haley Silvers also used this time to become her own boss. After dreaming of her own public relations firm for years, Silvers says the halt gave her the time (and “the shove”) to launch Silvers Strategic. (She’s already snagged a major client and tons of press coverage, which is pretty major.)
Lead With Empathy: It doesn’t matter how often you view someone’s Instagram stories: You have no idea what the person on the opposite side of the screen or receiving end of that email is going through. But, when your business is built on hustling, you can’t afford to wait for clients to come to you. Leading with empathy might seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many callous emails I’ve received from complete strangers. I start my emails by asking how the recipient is doing, and end my note with an offer to circle back once the dust has settled. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
Take Care of Yourself: I love being busy. My calendar is always packed with deadlines, social outings, and travel. (You know, back when we could travel.) To be honest, my self-worth takes a hit when I’m not as busy as I’d like to be. But, right now, I’m giving myself permission to relax. Make no mistake, I’m still working hard and checking my email 24/7. However, I’m sprinkling in activities that bring me joy. I’m watercoloring, cooking, and going for long walks with my partner. I’m scheduling Zoom dates with friends on the opposite side of the country. I took a personal day, which is something I can’t say I’ve done in a while. A global pandemic can feel like the Mental Olympics, so go easy on yourself. After all, your business won’t thrive if you’re not your own MVP.
While the pandemic has been a huge part of 2020, it’s not the only thing going on in the world. There are so many important, powerful movements happening right now that we need to talk about — and trust me, we will. But reviving our hustle is the first step to running our businesses with empathy, inclusivity, and impact.
Hustler of the Week: Hannah Franke
What inspired you to open a virtual studio?
When a pandemic strikes, you pivot! I initially started teaching online through Zoom and soon realized how dedicated many of my students were to keeping up their yoga practices while quarantined. After about a month of teaching, I felt truly honored that students were taking multiple classes from me each week. I wanted to create a platform where they could have more options than just me as their teacher. I contacted some of my favorite Seattle-based teachers and we put together a virtual studio that hosts [at least] six classes per week.
What’s your favorite part about running a virtual studio? Least favorite part?
My favorite part of the virtual studio is connecting with my students! Being able to find human connection, even virtually, is so uplifting. I am always energized to know I’m bringing some peace to my students as we all navigate this shift. My least favorite part is the technology! I will say it a thousand times: I am a yoga teacher, not a tech wizard!
What advice do you have for fellow hustlers who feel lost right now?
Pause and breathe. Nothing is (or can be) the same right now, and that is simply the reality. Once we all understand that, we can see the opportunity in this new format of life. It is extremely hard to reimagine your business or your life when you are stuck in “what could have been.” When you shift the mindset to “what could be,” a whole new world of possibility presents itself.
Give Hannah some love by following her on Instagram and signing up for a class at Franke Flows.
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