Virtual Business and Social Distancing in March

Hand wearing a ring with text Be Brave stamped into it

Be brave

I wear this ring a lot. I’ve had this for a couple of years now and I look at it all the time when things seem overwhelming. I bought it from Love This, a local sustainable products business that has since closed. The story that I remember from when I bought it was that these rings were made in a women’s shelter where women were learning jewelry-making as a way to recover from dire circumstances in their lives. When I bought this, I remember thinking, “If they can be brave, so can I.”

As a business owner, I’m learning to get used to the feeling of uncertainty. Being brave means taking action to keep moving forward. Being brave means following the CDC suggestions even when friends and family and community members say it’s not that big of a deal. Being brave for me is trying to host a 433 person virtual event (link at the bottom) this coming Friday when all I really want to do is curl up under the covers with my cats.

I mean, who could resist cuddling with this baby cat?!

Newquay cat in a cone, March 2020

Business update – February was a lower month 
When I started my business, I evaluated my total monthly income goal. I know what I need to make to pay the bills. I wasn’t freaked out because I made what I needed to at minimum. In business for another month!

What’s March looking like?
All meetings have now changed to phone or virtual meetings. I’m still aiming at the same volume of connection meetings or “networking” chats because staying in touch with my community will help me stay connected to the business pipeline.

To be honest, I kinda like having a break from in-person events for now. But in order to continue generating business, I will need to be visible so I’m attempting to get a content plan together that showcases how I help business owners. I’ve never done any Facebook live events, but I’m entertaining all possibilities as we enter uncharted territory these next few weeks.

Abundance update

My word of the year for 2020 is Abundance. I am cultivating this mindset and keeping track of wins in my journal. I am so very thankful for each one of my clients, who at this moment, have continued their work with me.

Whole66

I did it! If you’re not familiar with Whole30, it’s a meal plan/lifestyle designed as a reset for your relationship with food. The author mentioned that 66 days of practice leads to deep change in habits and mindset so I decided to give it a try. Having a partner at home who supports whole food choices and who helps cook meals was a huge part of my success.

It has shifted my habit of eating out – also great for my wallet as I build my business – and has made me feel very empowered to choose whole, nutritious foods over those that are not as healthy. This will be a true test over the next few weeks of uncertainty…because I’d love to eat and drink (red wine) for all of my feelings.

A Request

If there are businesses in your neighborhood that can use support, please consider spending with them either online or ordering items from them for curbside pickup.

We can make a difference to our neighbors during this difficult time. I’m attempting to do that once each day in my own neighborhood. So far I’ve visited WPA Bakery, Sub Rosa and Union Market.

Recent events

I hosted CreativeMornings/Richmond – Invest in February
Check out the Video of Ajay’s talk

The CreativeMornings/Richmond team visited the CreativeMornings/Raleigh chapter on February 28 and were so thrilled to see another chapter in action. Plan a visit to another city’s CM if you are in town on a Friday.

I helped a client with wardrobe and accessories at Kim Brundage Photography’s Social Media Branding Session in March.

Upcoming Classes
and Workshops

VisArts – DIY Journal Workshop 
I’m hosting a DIY Journal Workshop on Saturday, May 30 at the Visual Arts Center. If you’ve been looking for a push to start a new intentional journaling, writing or sketching practice, join us! Registration is open now and it will likely sell out.

Want to set up your own Journal Workshop?
I am mobile. I can bring my paper and machines and teach up to 10 folks at a time. Pricing ranges from $25 – $55 depending on the journal size and class number. Email me to get the conversation started.

It’s Women’s History Month

Despite the pandemic panic, it is still Women’s History Month. When I can, I’m shouting out some impactful women on my Facebook page this month. With everything up in the air, it helps me to focus on the great connections and wonderful women in my life. Join the conversation if you’d like!

Side note: Has anyone else seen the new layout of Facebook? I’d love your thoughts. I’ve sent several user experience feedback notes already.

Have a healthy March everybody!

Thanks for reading. If you’d like to connect in person, let’s plan that for May. I’m happy to take calls or virtual meetings if there’s something you’d like to discuss.

My last event for a while:
Friday, March 20
CreativeMornings/Richmond – Identity
This digital event has no cap on attendance. You can still register!

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