How To Stay Positive As A Business Owner During Lockdown

I think it goes without saying that we are all so very thankful for those working in the NHS, for those working in the health and social care sector and for our key workers (my mother being one of them). These amazing people continue to help keep this country together.

I’ve spent over 7 years passionately building my business and I’m so proud to say that Baltimore Consulting has always had a strong moral compass and continues to give back to the community.

Spare a thought today for all those business owners out there that have worked so hard their entire lives to build an empire that really has made a difference. Those that have built businesses, that have given so many others, not just a job but a career that they love and a real purpose in life. Some business owners have already sadly lost their battle to keep their business in operation, whilst others continue to keep trying their very best to survive in a time of huge uncertainty and zero control, not to mention the financial burdens.

Today, I salute you all and sincerely hope that all industries, including ours, the Recruiting / staffing sector pull together to support each other.

That being said, It’s week 3 of lockdown and I felt it was an appropriate time to share some best practice around the steps that myself and my team at Baltimore have taken to help us stay positive over the past few weeks.

EQ Training

I have personally delivered emotional intelligence coaching to the leadership team and wider business around self-awareness and self-regulation to help them understand the emotional rollercoaster they unexpectedly find themselves on. There is no magic wand that will give your workforce the reassurance / timelines they crave around when life will return to whatever normal looks like, but we can as leaders continue to do what we do best – Help them learn and grow.

Socialising with colleagues

We have held a Quiz & Fizz for the past two Friday’s via Zoom to keep all staff connected and spirits high. It’s such good fun and something I’m confident we will continue to do moving forward.

Placing highly skilled candidates

Whilst our job flow has definitely reduced quite significantly, there still remains a need for ultra-niche skills. My staff have continued to provide those interim vital hires into both the NHS and local authorities across the UK. We’re proud of what we do.

NHS Volunteer

I’ve been accepted as an NHS volunteer and will continue to be on duty to support others in my local community. It’s important to remember there’s always someone else worse off that needs your help. Together we can do more.

Short Term Goals

My entire business set themselves some short-term goals for the 3-week lockdown period and I’m delighted to say they are being achieved. The team is staying positive and focused on celebrating all milestones of achievements, however big or small.

Office set up

I’ve set my temporary office in my utility room at home. I’m a stickler for structure and routine. Human beings are creatures of habit—and that’s partly because routine helps us mentally and physically prepare for things. By creating a quiet space, I can dedicate to the “work version of myself”, It’s made such a difference.

Family Time

My beautiful daughter Florence turned 5 years old on Sunday and I couldn’t be prouder. She smiled all day and told me how grateful she was, as she understands that not all children have what she does. Completely heart-warming moment.

Strong Leadership Team

My leadership team have been a huge support to the entire business. Conducting regular meetings to discuss support, strategy and plans to continue to conduct ourselves as the small, award winning company we are.

Therapy/ Coaching

Maintaining dialogue with my coach / therapist helps me stay grounded and grateful. It’s accepting that we can’t control this situation that enables us to grow. We can, however, continue to control our attitude, our inputs and our focus. Now is not the time to stop external relationships, now is the time for them and you to flourish.

I don’t claim to have all the answers, nor do I have the ability to look into the future and reassure myself and other business owners that the outcome looks promising, I do however know for certain that we all have to try and survive these coming weeks/ months to enable us to thrive and rebuild post Covid-19.

In the words of the famous scientist Charles Darwin: It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.

I for one will be leaving my virtual door open / zoom meetings available/ my phone on for any business owner or leader that would welcome some friendly words of encouragement and support from someone that knows only too well, how important it is to stay positive whilst steering the ship as best we can.

Don’t forget, someone else around the corner, not too far away is having a bad day today.

Reach out and above all, be kind!

Author

Charmaine Vincent

Owner & CEO