My friend Bill Petrie talks about the notion of “fighting your blog” – having an idea or something to communicate but struggling to find a way to articulate the message you’re trying to convey in a way you think might resonate. That concept has never been more acute for me than in the last two weeks. It’s not at all that I am struggling for things to say – quite the contrary. The struggle has been trying to reconcile what I might say with where our collective psyche is at this moment. For many of us, there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty about what will happen for our marketplace as a result of COVID-19. Much of what we sell as an industry is predicated on person-to-person interaction, and while the virus may ultimately subside, what is less certain is how what’s happened will shape the national reaction to the reality of pandemics and public gatherings going forward and how those changes in attitude might or might not impact what we all do for a living.
So, as we all make our way thru what assuredly will change things going forward, it’s never been a better time to consider what each of our futures might look like. The last two weeks have featured conversations I’m certain wouldn’t have happened had it not been for the need for drastic consideration on the part of smart businesspeople on both sides of our supply chain. There is much to be fearful of and it’s clear the landscape will be altered as a result of what’s happening, but it’s in these moments that amazing opportunity also has the chance to present itself. In many instances, it’s how you’re looking at your surroundings that will dictate your point of view.
Knowing that, it’s never been more important to have people you trust to be able to talk to. I’m fortunate in that I have a number of people I feel comfortable having real talk with, and the conversations I’m having are mostly centered around considering what’s next and how we might respond as a marketplace to what will be most assuredly be a different point of view from buyers once the business of business begins again.
As we spend this time together but apart in The Great Pause, it’s worth noting the death of musician Bill Withers, who passed away March 30th at the age of 81 of natural causes. While you may not know the name, you most assuredly know the lyrics to one of Bill’s most famous songs – Lean on Me
Sometimes in our life, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But, if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow. Lean on me. When you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, for it won’t be long, till I’m gonna need, somebody to lean on. Please, swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow, for no one can fill up your needs that you won’t let show…
I leave you with this. It’s a scary time, with not a lot of certainty, and many of us are not sure what we should be doing. If that’s how you feel too, you’re not alone. If you’d like to talk about it, if you want to just talk shop or otherwise just hear what I’m hearing from other people about how people are not losing their minds, let’s talk. Call or text me at 810-986-5369. Email me at roger@socialgoodpromotions.com Find me on all (no – most, not Tik Tok or Snapchat) social media. Let’s spend this time on Pause to get to know each other. I can’t think of something I’d rather do.
Roger has spent 20+ years making complex concepts more understandable for both buyers and sellers alike, and has devoted the majority of his recent career to injecting purpose via philanthropy to his sales and marketing efforts. He’s intent on making the world a better place and his nirvana exists at the intersection of Mission, Passion, Profession and Vocation. He loves the outdoors and seeks memorable experiences whenever possible. Contact Roger at roger@socialgoodpromotions.com or 810-986-5369.