It is prime time to build a business. Brick-and-mortar companies are struggling, and local “mom-and-pop” stores are closing at a record pace. However, there is a record increase for online service providers like Netflix, Amazon, and Zoom.
Is there one thing in common with all these growing companies? They support a “stay at home” lifestyle and a “new normal” for remote working.
Entrepreneurs can learn new ways of emerging global economy and business. Here’s how some companies did it:
1. Restaurants have admitted that they cannot change the dining experience of their establishments. But with cashless payments, Takeaway has allowed restaurants to get a new lifeline.
2. Online shopping has been around for a long time. When the pandemic hit, the retail industry adopted a new segment of mall-goers to encourage consumers to shop. Online shopping and shipping options made the transition easier for customers, and Amazon achieved record profits.
3. The entertainment industry’s boom has not stopped, with filmmakers spending less. Companies consider providing streaming services for home entertainment. Cinemas were destroyed for obvious reasons.
4. Local tourism, virtual tours, travel anywhere, flights, and cruises have made it possible for those who want to travel to experience the journey, albeit to a limited extent. I think this is an incredible time to travel (by car) because there isn’t much!
5. Many Tech giants like social platforms allowed their employees to work from home. In addition, Google has announced that its employees will be allowed to “work flexibly.”
Why did some companies prosper, and some soon become permanent? They have adapted to disruption through innovation and hard work. These are the two characteristics of what entrepreneurs are made to be.
Adapting to Covid
Like every business owner, I was apprehensive when the shutdown was announced in March 2020. We had several clients who canceled our virtual assistant services. However, my business flourished. Since Covid, our virtual assistant recruitment agency has seen over 100% growth for entrepreneurs and startups worldwide.
The creation of the “virtual team” looked great last year, but today, companies need to survive in the current economic situation.
Yes, the default team is “new normal” for work. It’s time to hire one.
My Secret Weapon
My executive virtual assistant starts working with me an hour before I get up. This system works because I first go to my phone and check messages when I get up. Now, she goes through my email and deletes hundreds of letters that I shouldn’t waste my time on. Those who want my attention are marked “unread” by the flag.
With over 100 people on my team, she knows who is responsible for specific tasks in the business. So when I get an email that needs action from someone else, she sends an email to that team member, and we reply to the sender. Maybe the sender thinks I sent a reply – that’s the point.
You see, I didn’t have to be in that conversation. But, with the help of VA, I can focus on activities that are important to me and the day.
Why did I share this with you? I want you to understand that it is not much you can do. The biggest lie is, “I was going to do something, but time ran out.” That isn’t true. You don’t want to be responsible or have enough help, so you must prioritize what you do and don’t do every day.
If you are the only person in your business who knows everything, you will be a slave to your work. Once my colleague said, “If you don’t have an assistant, you’re one.” Think about it.
Remote working is here to stay for a long time. The current global crisis is the catalyst for an ever-increasing transition to a connected world. We rarely do anything that we cannot do out of the way unless we make or create something. Entrepreneurs who can adapt and develop new “virtual workplaces” and see the benefits can prove their business in the future as the economy moves forward.
