Welcome to Let’s Talk Business… Where we speak about all things business, entrepreneurship or otherwise. Sorry it’s taken so long to come back! And BACK we definitely are! In light of recent events, with COVID-19 putting the world into uncertainty, with jobs and businesses at stake its really got a lot of people wondering what could happen next.
With the likes of established brands like Laura Ashley and Flybe going into administration, the business world is currently in free-fall and if we don’t adapt and plan accordingly now, lots of businesses could come to an abrupt and sudden end. It’s not all bad news however, prior to the lockdown our resident full-time entrepreneur Khaiyo spoke of record gains! New clients and an increase in business simply due to the nature of the virus; people needed their spaces cleaned… Khaiyo and Eco-Fresh cleaned spaces, and cleaned them well.
Even myself with my ever-present side hustle have seen some recent ups, with many businesses opting to go online and lots of businesses enquiring on how they can improve their online presence and produce their deliverables online. Anyway enough about us, today’s topic is all about being in lockdown and 5 things you can do to pass the time during a lockdown (besides actual work).
1) Learn A New Skill
Learning a new skill online has become the norm for many, with the likes of Udemy and SkillShare offering thousands of courses and workshops online for a minimal fee, from Photography and Photoshop to Business Analytics and Management Skills, these are professional courses you can take with you to start a new business or back into your full-time role… When the lockdown is over.
We would suggest LinkedIn Learning or Learn Digital with Google. Both provide a number of accredited workshops and courses online that are easy to follow and easy to use. Google’s option being completely FREE at the time of writing and LinkedIn Learning providing a MONTH free trial. Regardless of which you decide to go with learning a new skill at a time where working from home will become the ‘new normal’ for some jobs is a definite must.
2) Train/ Workout
Fitness is definitely important, if you are fortunate (and fearless) enough to leave your house whilst practicing social distancing, we definitely commend you. However not everyone will be able to do this and some people (like myself) will find it difficult to do a normal workout routine under these conditions with a limited amount of equipment and space.
There are currently a number of celebrity fitness gurus and instructors teaching short in-door fitness regimes online, mostly via Instagram and Facebook. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger got involved. Even the NHS have a number of 10-minute home workout routines to aid the lock down population in their time of need.
3) Become an Online Tutor
Schools have closed for the foreseeable future leaving lots of parents at a loss on how their child will make up the missed education. Others have taken upon themselves to homeschool their children, with many doing a fine job. Many others struggling to accurately provide engaging content in a way that benefits their young ones.
If you are a teacher or have a particular background in a certain area why not become an online tutor? With the vast tools currently out our disposal amongst small communities, a number of teachers could be running online classes on specific subjects to ensure the kids don’t fall behind. It also may lead to a few extra coins being added to your pockets, if you find the best mix between work and reward.
4) Volunteer
With this lockdown being in force for the next few weeks there are bound to be many vulnerable and elderly out there unable to shop for the necessities they will need to self-isolate effectively. This may lead them to leaving the house unnecessarily which, unless you have been on another planet could prove fatal. Now is a time to work amongst our communities to create a network of volunteers which can purchase and collect food for the elderly and vulnerable in their area.
Managed by local councils with a strict vetting and identification process, volunteering to assist these individuals can help save lives, protect the NHS as well as doing your part for the community you live in. This is going to be a tough and testing time for all, the least we can do is help each other out where we can.
5) Work
Maybe slightly counterproductive, I don’t mean work as in a 9-5 or where you would receive your regular fixed income. I mean starting a side business/ side hustle which can potentially make you additional money on top of your regular income. This additional income could benefit you especially since the government are saying the worst is yet to come. Many people are already uncertain about their role in all of this and being unable to work, or earn any money doesn’t help in the slightest.
Im not suggesting you become the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, but I do suggest you keep an open mind to potential financial opportunities; Starting an online store, selling a product via Instagram, becoming a content creator. There are many different avenues you can take. Not all employment or financial security is guaranteed. The least we can do even if it’s a little bit.. is guarantee it for ourselves.
Thank you for reading our Top 5 Tips, we would love to hear some of your suggestions. letstalkbusinessuk@gmail.com. Please also listen to the Lets Talk Business Podcast (new episodes coming soon!)If you are interested in finding out more about what Cory or Khaiyo do please get in-touch via email.
We hope you stay safe during this difficult time.