7 Mindsets for start up entrepreneurs in handling stress during the lockdown

KEY PRINCIPLES:

1. FOCUS ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT

We are trained to think we are in control, but in reality, we are not in control of certain people and events. Instead, focus on how you can grow from this crisis so you can help a lot of people survive. Why not strategize and rediscover your potentials. 

2. FOCUS ON YOUR FAMILY

These precious moments will never happen again. Connect, rebuild, and take care of relationships. Creating memories with them is so much better than watching sad news that will never end. Develop the self-esteem and leadership skills of the next generation of our country. 

3. FOCUS ON YOUR PURPOSE 

Follow the courage of our frontline heroes. They are proof that we have the power to choose our actions against overwhelming odds. Share your talents, passion, and knowledge to serve others. 

In career or business, maybe it's time to do the old fashion way of communicating directly to your clients and provide your services online during the lockdown. Let them know your presence and affirm your commitment. 

Do not allow negative events and people to paralyze or change who you are.

In Jan 2003, I started my training consulting career work from home. 

Start-up capital: P18,000 ($356) coming from my Dec 2002 last 13th-month pay. I was scared but at the same time excited. 

No office: All I had was a 2nd hand laptop and a fax machine but I was able to service 3 companies for a year before joining the Real Estate industry. 

No Wifi: I remember sending emails to my clients using prepaid dial-up internet. Once my program outline and PowerPoint slides are ready, I will quickly send it before it ran out of load. My teletipid landline was also prepaid designed for incoming calls only. 

No clients: That time, I had no idea where to get speaking engagements so I focus on connecting with my past colleagues to help set up meetings for me until I got my first seminar bookings. Word of mouth referrals. 

No vehicle: I had no car at that time, so I commute to the venue of my seminars. I made sure to arrive one hour early so I have time to change to my corporate attire. Yes, I bring an extra shirt when I perspire riding the LRT, Bus, and Jeep. 

No marketing materials: All I had was my calling cards which I print and cut from cardboard. I don't have banners, books, social media or websites that time but I focused on adding value to my clients to ensure the sustainable business seminars as I strive to improve each training program. 

Passion is my motivation: Looking back from this experience, I personally know the struggles of startup speakers and entrepreneurs. That's why I made it my life’s work to share knowledge so that they will have an overview of what they need to do and what to avoid. 

Here are my 7 mindsets for startup entrepreneurs, speakers, consultants, and sales team during tough times: 

1. Be prepared for business change because it will always evolve from stage talks to online. 

2. Be flexible to the demands of the client. Don't go against the market. WFH is here to stay. 

3. Be bold but take calculated and strategic actions. 

4. Keep your costs low at all costs. Repeat. 

5. Spend based on your available funds not from incoming receivables. No credit cards. 

6. Keep your brand consistent with the quality you deliver. Customers don't complain, they just leave. CEOs see the numbers but not the reasons why. 

7. Train your teams to unleash their potentials. Believe me, I understand the power of purpose-driven teams. They will never give up or leave you during a crisis. They don't just engage, they are willing to sacrifice like our frontliners today. 

From passion to purpose:

We all experienced difficulties but also remember your achievements and how you were able to overcome all the odds. Let your challenges become your reason for inspiring others.

Thank you for taking time to read my article,

Eric Manalo

For more free articles please visit my website www.ericmanalo.com and hope it would guide you as we go through these challenging times.