We have recognized the way that COVID-19 crisis has impacted every aspect of our lives. Businesses, Churches and individuals have discovered that “business as usual” is no longer possible.

For some professionals, especially coaches, speakers, and some solo entrepreneurs, the restrictions are physical presence, travel, and finance have caused them to rethink many of the practices they may have taken for granted. This may be an opportunity to reassess how they do things, try out new behaviors, and learn new skills. Maybe hire virtual help in some areas of their business.

The first step, however, is to take care of yourself. To Avoid the Coronavirus, stay physically healthy by staying out of crowds, eating right and finding ways to exercise regularly. As strong business professionals, you will continue to practice the things that keep you going prayer, meditation, and reflection.

Second, this will be a good time to reassess the way you do business. Like many others, you will probably be impacted financially by this crisis. Some clients may cancel their contracts or put them on hold due to personal or organizations budget cutbacks. You will want to accept these termination/setbacks with grace in order to maintain those relationships for the future.  As you lose clients, you can begin thinking about ways to engage clients in different ways.

• If you have not previously used video conferencing, give it a try. You can connect with clients anywhere, while respecting health concerns. There are many online conferencing platforms, and many are free or have minimal cost.
• You might spend time reviewing your personal network and clients from the past, identifying new ways to approach people. Are their some trends you see with past clients that suggest strengths that you failed to leverage? You could use those strengths to build or rebuild relationships.
• Think about setting up support groups online. This is a stressful time for most and people need support as they deal with changes in work, family, and responsibilities. You might gather on affinity group based on a particular vocation, calling, or need. If you have a select group of people you like to work with, that would be a great place to start. With the group approach, you can charge clients less and still receive a good return on your time investment.

Third, think about this as an opportunity for personal and professional development. Maybe you would want to create a training to promote your area of expertise or business. Be sure to include specifics, as there are a number of training programs available online. Or you could possibly start writing that book you have been intending to write, or start reading from the stack of books you already have.

Fourth, stay connected to others. If you don’t have a support group within you business or that you are apart of, this would be a great time to engage in one. If you are unsuccessful in finding a support group in your area of expertise , maybe you could create one for mutual support.

Fifth, you also might think about volunteering your time or offers. Check with your church, or non-profit organizations in your local area and ask if you can offer your services. The experience of helping someone else during this time would benefit both you and the client.

The impact of COVID-19 will be with us for weeks, and months to come. As a Christian, I follow one who did not have an easy life on earth but was not afraid to accept the great challenges thrust upon Him. I believe He expects no less from us and is with us as we discern new paths forward. The one who is faithful calls us to be faithful as well.