Asking good Questions
I don’t need to tell you these are complicated times- so many of our friends are struggling to adapt, struggling to stay healthy, struggling to navigate the ever-changing social and business norms. I see many businesses talking about what they can’t do right now or what they have to do right now to survive.
Something I have learned in my 13 years of entrepreneurship is that asking good questions of ourselves and our business is essential to effectively serving in whatever way we are called. So what back-to-basics question is helpful right now?
“What can I do to serve?”
This question is more important than it may seem at first glance. “What can’t I do anymore?” prompts you to create a list of no’s… it’s certainly important to understand our constraints in the interest of safety, but staying focused here does not promote movement or growth.
Asking “what CAN I do to serve?” prompts you to create a list of possibilities, which is a fantastically positive and productive use of your brainpower! This question results in action!
I’ve asked myself this question and some of the answers I’ve had include…
I can finally update my website.
I can offer donate shoot time to businesses struggling to pivot or to new entrepreneurs who have lost their job because of COVID.
I can work on starting a newsletter!
I can offer consulting to my fellow entrepreneurs helping them strategize ways to shift their business.
I can shoot self-assignments and create content to help other businesses to stay engaged with their audiences!
Some great ways I’m seeing other businesses focused on what they can do include:
Textile manufacturers like Rothy’s using their resources to create masks, and still showing up on social media and emails with positivity…and awesome shoes.
Restaurants like Holmes creating great takeout menus while their dining room is closed.
Marketing + PR agencies like LiebePR helping their small business clients create pivot strategies.
Innovation Think Tanks like Faction working with clients remotely that want to build a strategy for their new ideas (or the long-held ideas they finally have time for)
I’d love to know: How are you doing these days? What support does your business or career need?
With Joy,
Lauren Liz
