Forced Retreat
In December 1777 George Washington was forced to retreat to Valley Forge Pennsylvania, up the road from where I am sitting right now. The Battle of Brandywine is just a few miles away as well.
Business leaders, entrepreneurs & individuals are finding themselves in a similar situation right now. This invisible enemy has us quarantined at home questioning when and what our futures will look like.
What was 11,000 men along with approximately 500 women & children encamped at Valley Forge is now BILLIONS of people across our globe fighting a common foe.
The uniforms and weapons being used are different, but the same truth holds, we are in a Forced Retreat.
The question is what can or are each of us doing about it? Personally and in business.
As a CEO and Entrepreneur, I do not have the luxury of sitting around and hoping for the best. These are the times when the real leaders emerge, doing what they can, leveraging every ounce of energy, knowledge & resources available to them. And then some.
This is also a time when the cultures we have been developing or trying to develop in our companies will shine through, or not.
Some questions to ponder:
- What CAN we be doing now to prepare for "When the lights come back on"? It's pretty obvious what we cannot do, have you exhaustively listed out by yourself, and with your team what can be done?
- What projects have been sitting on the back-burner with everyone too busy to tackle them before March 2020?
- Is there a major pivot in your business that you have been considering, is now the time to detail out those plans & ideas?
- Are there any new products or services that will have a higher demand?
- What past customer relationships could be rekindled?
- How will prospects perceive your company, the same or differently?
- How many of your current customers will be looking at the products/services you have been providing them with?
- How can you capitalize on the predictable shifts that are going to occur?
- Are there pricing opportunities in your industry?
- Which competitors will fail?
- What key talent will now be available, possibly at lower or much more attractive wages?
- What assets may become available, maybe at steep discounts?
- Are acquisitions on your radar screen?
Where will the best values be as consumers and in your business?
- With super low-interest rates that are bound to continue for the foreseeable future, are there leverage points here?
Certified EOS Implementer | Strategic Partner @ EO
4 年Well said Paul. As Washington said: "Perseverance and Spirit have done Wonders in all ages"
Product marketing executive leader | Go-to-market strategy & execution | Marketing funnel acceleration | Content development | Thought leadership | Storyteller
4 年Excellent post...very well stated Paul!
Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc.
4 年Well said my friend. Going back in time and noting the hardships and sacrifices that were made in this country will help us understand the future will bring more prosperity if we work together through this unique time in our history.
Empowering marketers to create experiences online that improve lives offline.
4 年CHARGE!!!
Senior Vice President- Central Region @ Valpak | 30 Years Advertising Experience
4 年Excellent analogy Paul! Thank you for the thought provoking words. Stay well!