Top Priorities During These Unprecedented Times

Published in June 2020

As a small business owner, you are one of the many people across our country who hold responsibility for 97% of Canada's business employment. As such, during this time of crisis you may want to consider these three priorities:

1. YOUR “A” TEAM:

To feel like they are making a difference, key people need goals and a purpose. Talk to your top performers to see how they’re doing.  Listen to what they need and how you can support them during this time. Reach out to your key customers and suppliers. Understand how they’ve been impacted over the last two months and what has changed their lives.

​Treating everyone - customers and employees alike - like essential parts of your team will build loyalty over the coming years. 

2. YOUR COMPANY:

​Cash is king. Be careful and prudent with your cash flow. Government grants may be very helpful in the short term, and only you can assess the suitability. 

Lawyers, accountants, advisors, and coaches have time on their hands so this is a good time to reach out for ideas and guidance. If you need referrals, let me know and I’ll do my best to find the right fit. 

Now, let’s get to the most important item:

3. YOU:

Uncertainty, misinformation, and blame abound in these unprecedented days and weeks of Spring 2020. Stress levels are high for so many reasons, and particularly due to the uncertainty of our future. And, as the business owner, you are assuming the lion’s share of this stress.

​As the passenger safety announcement before flight takeoff, be sure to place the oxygen mask on yourself first. We do this to ensure that we can breathe first, then enables us to help others around us. Self-care is critical at this time, so I ask you: what are you doing for your own health and well-being right now?

Every morning at seven am or so, I take a half hour walk through the trails of Pacific Spirit Park with my small dog Walle. The air has never been fresher and the paths are often quite empty. I’ve been making a effort to eat well and drink very little alcohol.

Practicing and performing with my alto saxophone has provided me with an alternate mental challenge while helping to build community, too. Gardening, cooking, reading, and music have been the top choices for many other people. What are your doing that bring you life and energy? 
 
Never before have so many families relied on you to be disciplined, accountable, and connected. Take the time to take care of yourself, get up early, dress well for your remote meetings, and “be the example” of what you want to see in your teammates. Everyone will appreciate the effort. 
 
Reach out to me at any time if you would like to talk.

 Don Anderson
@ Legato
Protect your wealth and your family.

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