Winston Churchill was right | Never waste a crisis. Maybe it’s time to pull over in life and regroup. When crisis occur, and believe me they will, it’s mostly about knowing what rapid answers are needed and responding with intention.  And when there’s a crisis, might I suggest (along with Churchill) that you never waste it? Churchill saw that in crisis, those who are wise and ready, will not only survive but thrive and emerge from adversity with a new purpose and focus. Before 2020 comes to a close, are you in need of a hard reset? Watch the video below and scroll down to read more.

Regroup and reset in 2020 by considering the following:

1. Do your goals from January 2020 need a reset? Most of us were unaware a world wide epidemic was around the corner when we brought in the New Year. We set goals and then set out to achieve them. And then the world shut down. Do you have goals that are in need of a complete overhaul or at least in need of minor adjustments? And if you never got around to writing goals for 2020, might I suggest that there is no time like the present? What doesn’t get written down almost never gets done.

2. Do you need to throw out what’s not working and figure out what will? Sometimes we don’t pull over in life and say, ‘Is this even working?’ I know a Realtor who assesses her marketing dollars every 90 days. This means that every 90 days she intentionally sits down to benchmark, progress monitor, and evaluate what’s working and what’s not. I admire this habit and think we could all probably be more intentional when it comes to progress monitoring our marketing dollars. Are those Google or Facebook Ads you’re running really bringing in the leads or closed business you need them to in order to feel good about your ROI? If not, perhaps it’s time to shift or pivot? And if your marketing dollars do seem to be turning a profit how are you tracking those dollars to ensure they continue to work hard for you?

3. Have you thoughtfully considered the needs of your clients – and have those needs shifted since January 2020? As harsh as this may sound it’s not about you. The what’s in it for me philosophy has never been more true. Your clients need it to be about them. You need it to be about them. But all too often we start off our newsletters, videos, hand written cards or conversations with our favorite pronouns: I, me, my. But is that what our clients are looking for? An update on our vacation? Our kids and their accomplishments? Our new vehicle? Our awards and achievements? Instead of droning on about ourselves what if we attempted to get an update on the needs of our clients? Might I suggest sending out a digital questionnaire once a year? Or how about simply picking up the phone and surveying a handful of past, present, and future clients? And when you ask your question(s) be sure to STOP AND LISTEN. Don’t be quick to interrupt or be dismissive when they share their thoughts. You might be shocked to find what people feel they need.

4. The crisis opportunity window is closing. Have you considered, strategy, brand, consumer needs, and touch points for your SOI? An agent is essentially a small business owner. Have you reached out to your resources, support, or influences for brand management? Who can help you create a targeted brand and message for your clients? Do you have a strategy for keeping in touch with your SOI? And I mean a strategy for really keeping in touch – not just a blanket email. The window has been left ajar, but as time moves forward and our ‘new normal’ becomes our ‘new normal’ the consumer will become less tolerant of our old ways and methods. The Consumer drives change. We must listen to our consumer(s) and do everything we can to act while the window for change remains open. Video is one of the best ways to communicate and stay in front of people right now. Are you making the most of this opportunity to learn about video marketing and other innovative ways to stay relevant?

5. LEAP NOW – Now more than ever it’s important to LEAP. As a leader, you must act swiftly in order to shift and mold your business with the ever changing times. Because that window for growth is slowly closing (think of cement setting and drying – when it’s done it’s done) – you want to be on the cusp of change. And at the very least, following those who are leading with strategies that you can implement and apply to your own business. Leaders often get their inspiration and direction from other leaders and innovators. If you’re more than willing to leap make sure you’re also observing, following, and learning from those who’ve gone before you. Learn from their personal stories, especially when they speak of their success and failures.

6. Professional Development – are you using downtime to learn and grow? What areas of your personal and professional life need an overhaul? Use this time to take as many PD courses (online courses, books, YouTube videos) in order to develop yourself and your business. Crisis will go to waste for those who never saw crisis as an opportunity to begin with.

Even a personal crisis can be used for good. I used a personal crisis I went through many years ago to say, “What can I learn from this? And, what are opportunities in front of me and right now that would have otherwise been overlooked or gone to waste without this experience?” Go ahead and cry. Get angry. Pout even. Let your tears be the fuel that moves you forward. And never – ever – EVER – give up. You’ll look back and later see that the crisis was the catalyst that allowed you to grow.

So there you have it. Never waste a crisis. Now go out there, take Crisis by the horns and turn it into an opportunity.

Referenced articles: Churchill: https://realbusiness.co.uk/as-said-by-winston-churchill-never-waste-a-good-crisis/ Churchill:https://www.customerresults.com/never-waste-a-crisis-6-winston-churchill-questions-for-the-covid-19-era/ (FORBES) Leaders: This is your chance –

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rasmushougaard/2020/05/06/leaders-this-is-your-opportunity-to-leap-before-its-too-late/#df93a541ab01 (FORBES) article –

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/05/04/7