Tough times call for tough skin. It’s undeniable that COVID-19 has affected us all. Whether that has been mostly positive or mostly negative has been determined by how adaptable and resilient you are. Preparing for hurdles and staying one step ahead of the game undoubtedly results in greater success. So let me ask you: just how do women build resilience during difficult times? Find out below!

2020 has seen the rise and fall of businesses all over the world. I interviewed 12 women in business to find out how they’ve been impacted, how they overcame unforeseen obstacles, and what they recommend you do to build resilience and ensure success in life and business. 

5 Negative Impacts COVID-19 Had on Businesses

• All face-to-face contact was canceled

This was a big deal for those who relied on face-to-face communication as their primary income. No speaking events, no workshops, meetings, seminars, festivals, coaching, sports, concerts, book signings, or retail work. No event that requires us to be in the same physical space as other people. Many businesses folded, and thousands of people lost their jobs. 

• Launches were postponed

Whether you were launching a physical product, a program, a coaching service, or something altogether different, you probably had to wave goodbye to your much-anticipated launch date. With so much uncertainty, financial implications on the general public and consumers, and the all-round stress of the pandemic, COVID proved that it was not the time to launch or profit for most businesses.

• Shipping times slowed

Those of you who own a product-based business felt the pinch as postal services slowed down, couriers were furloughed, and delivery was either suspended or taking much longer than usual. Needless to say, whilst this is to be expected, it still creates a less-than-ideal customer experience. 

• Schools closed

It’s hard enough to run a business without throwing a global pandemic in the mix. But, if juggling didn’t prove your resilience, having your kids home all day certainly will. Re-evaluating your time management, client care, and priorities as you unexpectedly home-educate your kids and try to keep your business afloat is a new level of Continuous Professional Development! 

• Depression/Stress/Anxiety

Many of us have never had to deal with depression or anxiety, but when your whole world flips upside-down and your livelihood is at stake, it’s understandable that we might become victim to it. Key coping strategies for these conditions include talk therapy and physical exercise, both limited due to COVID and social distancing guidelines. 

If your business experiences any of these struggles, you’ll be interested to know that all is not lost. The other side of the coin showed us that the most resilient amongst us survived COVID and THRIVED. How Women Build Resilience During Difficult Times

5 Positive Impacts COVID-19 Had On Businesses

• Online business grew exponentially

With so many people at home, online, and with extra time on their hands, established online businesses have seen growth like never before. Everything from online fitness classes to furniture sales has profited from the COVID quarantine. 

• Business Diversity

New income streams or business modes have become viable and sustainable options for those willing to adapt and pivot their business models. Brick-and-mortar businesses have transitioned online, overheads have been reduced, and profits have increased. 

• Those who thrive

Many businesses already online or who have experienced past recessions have had the time to adapt and prepare for situations like COVID. Specifically, service providers specializing in online services have seen their businesses prosper as they support others to transition and build an online presence. Examples include Web Designers, Virtual Assistants, Social Media Managers, Online Coaches, Business Strategists, and more. 

• Time for new ventures

The shutdown and slower pace of life during COVID have given many of us a lot more time to explore other avenues of business development and income streams. For some, this has been a necessity to survive, but for others, it has been a privileged exercise in resilience as they explore additional interests they previously didn’t have time for. 

• Client value

Offering online or distance sessions has always been an option. Until now, not everyone has been able to see the benefit of them. Now that it’s the main mode of business, it’s much clearer to see exactly what value it brings to clients. This also enables you to better support them in ways previously not utilized. 

As you can see, it’s entirely possible for your life and business to have experienced a mixture of both positive and negative effects from the pandemic. It is also clear that by identifying the effects, you can build strategies to overcome them and ensure your success as far as possible. Whatever strategy you employ, resilience is key. 

How Women Build Resilience During Difficult Times

1. “Adapt or Die”! Stellar advice from Helene Dumais, a professional endurance athlete and coach. Your survival depends on your ability and willingness to pivot your business, transition your skillset, and get creative. What worked yesterday will not work today, and a successful business is a journey of constant evolution.
2. Get help to get results. Cassie Christopher, registered dietician and health coach, felt the same fear for her business as many of us did. Rather than put her plans on hold, she pushed through it. Cassie enlisted the help of a business coach to develop and launch a new program. Support, encouragement, and focus stopped the fear creeping in. It gave her purpose during a crisis and kept her business on track for success.
3. Offer evergreen services.  Ask yourself, “What is the most pressing need of my potential clients”? This is the service you should be offering. Dating Coach and Conscious Uncoupling Coach Joan Bragar knows this too well. Her business has not suffered from COVID-19 at all, as people desire relationships in all economic climates.
4. Let your voice out. Even when you’re feeling scared, stressed, or can’t take on another task, get your voice out there. Let people see you. Natsuyo Lipschutz, global leadership and cross-cultural communications strategist, says that confiding in friends who listen and use her voice is what helped her through depression and get her business back on track in new and beneficial formats.
5. You are not your business. Whilst your business needs looking after, so do you. You can’t offer energy that you don’t have. So, whatever else you do, include some self-care to help you balance, de-stress, and inspire healthy and creative coping and growth strategies.
6. Lisa Pezik, Content Management Strategist, added that your self-care should include an evaluation of your priorities, time management, and authentic communication so that you can clearly articulate with your partner and/or clients exactly what’s going on and what you need

How Resilient Women Overcome Hurdles!

Building resilience is not an overnight goal. It’s a strategic implementation of actions and processes that keep you mentally prepared to step up and face problems head-on. It’s a mindset that enables recovery. You will build resilience by adapting your mindset and looking for opportunities to shift into a more positive and successful place. This will help your life and business overcome any obstacle.