Click this link to access the May 19, 2020 webinar entitled “Your Personal Brand: Leveraging Your Unique Knowledge and Experience”. Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi (who is also a facilitator in our program) discusses how to develop a personal brand that can help to set the direction for a career pivot and transition.
Click this link to see the slide deck she references in the webinar.
Click here to access Liz Ngonzi’s website.
A recent article in Business Insider provided a list of five mental health podcasts by psychologists or coaches with 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts that are addressing coronavirus anxiety and stress.
They include:
In this May 7, 2020 opinion piece in Fortune, Sheryl Sandberg and Rachel Thomas outline the ways in which the pandemic has placed a greater burden on women who are trying to juggle work and home responsibilities. They share that employers, managers, elected officials, and partners need to to more to help lighten that load.
Click this link to access the April 29, 2020 webinar entitled “Optimize Your Financial Dashboard: Use Data, Metrics and Key Indicators To Drive Decision-Making” where Victoria Yampolsky discusses key financial indicators that not only help you understand your current position but also help you plan for the future. Victoria also responded to questions from those listening live.
A link to Victoria Yampolsky’s company, The Startup Station, is here.
The “Let’s Work” speaker series sponsored by The Laundress invites female entrepreneurs and thought leaders to share their thoughts during this unique time in our world. The speaker series is happening on different days over the next several weeks at noon (ET). The series is also exciting in that there are breakoff sessions (zoom rooms) for the attendees to network amongst themselves in addition to the keynote speaker. Click this link to register (for free!) for the session. Upcoming speakers include:
The female leaders in Germany, Taiwan, New Zealand, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Denmark are showing the world that when women leverage their own unique leadership styles, the results can exceed those of the more traditional model. This Forbes article highlights how these leaders used transparency, technology and empathy to handle the pandemic and keep their citizens safe.
One advantage of sheltering in place has meant more time for walking outside (socially distanced, of course!). We recently became hooked on listening to Entreprenista podcasts as we get some fresh air. If you are looking for something entertaining and educational to inspire you on your entrepreneurial journey, check out some of their recent episodes!
Recently we reached out to participants in the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell to ask three questions:
Over 150 women responded and we were both impressed and inspired by the answers. Below we explore some of the themes. Included in Appendix 1 is a list of some of the resources mentioned by the respondents. In this accompanying video we report some of the inspirational quotes we collected.
Devastating. Shaken. Caught off guard. These are some common responses to the question we asked about how the COVID-19 situation has impacted entrepreneurial businesses of Institute participants. Some, like Rania who leads ID4A Technologies, have had to quickly change gears to manufacture and distribute critical medical devices and healthcare products. Many have seen cancellations of contracts, disappearance of clientele and increased anxiety from employees and customers. Others, like Sonji, whose company, Nouveau Chique, depends on manufacturing in Italy, have seen their supply chains disrupted. Some who support their businesses with outside jobs are now unemployed. Many bank and venture sources have stalled or dried up. The result has been declines in revenue and funding, while costs continue to pile up.
In addition to taking a hit on revenues, many respondents mentioned the personal challenge of isolation and the mental difficulty of maintaining normalcy while remaining inside most of the day. As Celina put it, “I really do miss the hugs and love.” Homeschooling children has had its challenges. Leesha, who noted “this homeschooling thing is not for me,” found herself tapping her educator friends for help with her kids and their studies, which are now delivered online. Eraina and others worked on solutions for parents, such as creating packets and digital downloads for those trying to maintain education for children stuck at home. In addition to adjusting to new online learning challenges, kids are also suffering with isolation from friends, difficult emotional reactions and disappointments, such as cancellation of prom and graduation.
There were other observations about the impact of “sheltering in place.” Alexis said, “I now have two extra people at home, ALL THE TIME!”, a reflection on how the forced togetherness can make working on the business difficult. Another student said, “I live with my mother and while I adore her, she drives me a bit crazy sometimes.” Dealing with difficult family members was often mentioned, and sadly, one woman has been fleeing from an abusive spouse and trying to find support during a time when so many people are in need. Still others struggle with either personal or family health issues, including some who have themselves contracted the virus. Angie has a relative in need of major heart surgery and Audrey works with cancer patients. In both cases, medical and emotional needs continue during this crisis.
All these personal and family issues seem to fall heavily on the shoulders of women, as they feel the need to be the source of strength and help for everyone in their ecosystem, including the squeeze play of taking care of elderly family members and their own children. Practical issues, like keeping everyone fed, clean, healthy and safe also adds to the burden. Case in point: one mother of four wrote to say that she did not have a washer and dryer and all the laundromats in her area were closed!
Institute participants are meeting the serious and urgent challenges posed by the COVID-19 with creativity and resilience. Most are considering some virtual way of serving their customers. As Coonoor puts it, this has been “a great kick in the pants” to finally considering offering her business consultancy in an online format. Zakiyyah has been analyzing the best practices of other businesses as she thinks about how to take her Reiki practice virtual. Michelle is using the downtime from her wedding planning business to explore video marketing strategies. Others are already delivering their products/services through online platforms. For example, SheNesia is holding online boot camps focused on food and fitness, Beverly has taken her family practice online with telemedicine, Shanara booked an online speaking gig, and various individuals (Mych’layla, Octevia, Nadiyah, Sade and Taryn) are delivering coaching or therapy online. Lindsay has created more classes on branding and Adina is teaching mindfulness virtually.
Not all of these virtual solutions immediately result in revenue (Sarah said, “I’ve never worked so hard for free!”). Nonetheless, moving into online settings can allow entrepreneurs to entice future clients and to experiment with products that might expand or enhance the product/service line in the future. As examples, Alyssa is offering “snippets” of help with conflict resolution for free and Patti is adding pandemic-specific content to our Implicit Bias e-learning course.
Many participants commented on the work-from-home/remote work situation that is now facing most businesses. Lisa B. runs a cloud computing consulting company that has always operated with a remote workforce. For entrepreneurs that are shifting to a new work-from-home model during the COVID19 situation, she suggests that it is still important to maintain virtual face to face contact. She recommends scheduling conference calls in groups to enable co-workers to “socialize over video” as well as continuing to have “regular team meetings with team building activities.” For Lisa G., the transition that her promotional branding company’s team made to virtual was challenging for a group of workers that were used to being engaged with each other in the office. To alleviate some of the feelings of isolation on her team, they are “communicating throughout the day via Slack, text, email and Zoom” which helps the team feel connected despite the distance.
Despite the fact that many businesses are currently paused, we received lots of great suggestions for how to spend that “found time.” Patti pointed out that in order to be ready to recover, entrepreneurs should spend time and energy preparing a business strategy for re-entry. Tiffany suggested entrepreneurs look for tactical ways to prepare as well. In her case this involved doing a deep cleaning and sanitizing of her salon.
Others mentioned the importance of advocating for state and federal assistance for small businesses. For example, Joyce contacted her elected representatives and signed her company’s name to several suggestions for stimulus project ideas that could build long term social equity and help marginalized community. JeFreda created an online petition asking the Government and states to consider viable options for all business owners, including the self-employed solopreneurs.
Re-imagining one’s product is another important survival strategy. LaQueanya, who owns a mobile cupcake company, is now selling cupcake-making kits for kids. Leah is working on creating efficiencies in her sales/onboarding business processes. Additional ways to improve, enhance or evolve the business were suggested, including: updating the business plan, redesigning the website, working on strategy and outreach, building up one’s social media presence and LinkedIn network, and completing SBA certification for loans.
Personal development was also heavily featured in answers we received, including things like participating in webinars and other virtual training opportunities. Olrica is brushing up on Excel skills and listening to TED talks and podcasts that have helpful business content. Many mentioned strengthening personal skills through online resources on resilience, executive presence, organization skills, marketing, etc. Tanisha is using SkillShare and Hope*Writers as two sources for free online traning.
A treasure trove of suggestions were offered up by Beverly, who, in addition to being family practice doctor, does some business consulting. Her list is presented in a “to do” format to facilitate printing them out and pursuing the relevant items.
Many respondents focused their comments on how the crisis has provided opportunities to help other small businesses, their community and family members. In many cases, individuals are using their own personal and business training/skill to help others. Joyce helped her “octogenarian Dad” to use Zoom to reconnect with his book group and so he can investigate ways his musical quintet can practice together virtually. KeeShanda is helping people with COVID 19 related travel concerns. Vanessa used her web programming skills to build a website for her county to enable residents to donate to a fund to support small businesses. To support restauranteurs in the Houston area, Leah created a spreadsheet and form for establishments to provide information on their offerings during the lock-down. Lisa reached out to other entrepreneurs and has participated in podcasts. Others are supporting local businesses by ordering takeout or buying gift certificates, or sending supplies via online sources to business colleagues. Many are contributing to communities by volunteering in food pantries, helping the homeless, giving away gas cards, providing meals for families in needs, tutoring college students, helping with community youth, and coordinating with neighbors for grocery shopping. Dite decided to spread some beauty by purchasing 200 tulips distributing them to families at her son’s school. Alesia is helping victims of domestic violence, for whom she points out this is a particularly dangerous time.
Supportive business decisions are also being made. For example, when possible, some entrepreneurs are continuing to keep employees on the payroll. Marissa waived rent for a florist whose business operates out of her property. Joyce is hiring small minority business owners for all of the service contracts that support her business and providing some leeway if their output is delayed. Anita is providing (pro-bono) matchmaking for small businesses to find safe (in most cases SBA) funding solutions. Shalayah is spreading awareness about the various relief funds available for artists and small businesses. Joanna is connecting local residents with each other to purchase natural local products (local tea, honey, and vegetables).
We were impressed with how people are making lemonade out of lemons. For some, like Tanisha, the crisis has pushed her even more compellingly towards entrepreneurship. Many have identified new business opportunities out of the crisis. Camille pivoted her catering business and is now selling individual meals. In a similar vein, Onnie’s meal prep company is thriving because the situation is creating a lot of demand for grab-and-go and pre-ordered dinners. Joyce found that circumstances have opened new opportunities with clients who need her to take on more of their work while they balance family demands. Similarly, Marcy has been able to step in to manage functions like payroll and benefits administration when staff members fall sick. Mia is finding a heightened interest/concern about finances, making her advice and services more appealing. Trenisha, a STEM educator, found that when schools were closed, she was contacted to teach coding online, leading her to think about what else she might offer virtually. Alyson mentioned it allowed her to “test the waters” in seeing how successful she can be as a brand to support large numbers of employees working remote.
There were comments made about how having more time has created benefits for businesses. Joshsalyn mentioned they now have more time to send out orders and focus on building their customer base. Ericka changed her pricing to attract new clients (flash sales for her online courses). Nesreen ran a “purchase necessary” contest to generate online sales. Mira is using this unexpected downtime “templates, writing meaningful content and just streamlining and working on the back end of my business.”
Many responses referenced the effect of “found time” and its impact emotionally. Domonique recommended giving oneself “permission to take action on the things you have wanted to do.” Michelle, a cross-cultural wedding planner, said “despite all the added workload, my heart is in a much more rested state….the [easing of ] on-demand requests and instant satisfaction have allowed me to breathe in between my tasks…allowed me the grace to slow down and do things I’ve always wanted to do.” Similarly, JodyAnn, said the pause in the action has allowed her to think more clearly about what she really wants out of her endeavor. Numerous women (Octevia, Crystal, Patti, Veonne, Domonique, Shelia and Alesia) have decided to work on their book projects more intensely. Others point to saving money due to eating less, placing less wear and tear on cars, reducing membership fees and using Zoom to reduce travel expenses. Shaneisha said the slowdown forced her to make healthier choices. Interestingly, she has been exposed to Instagram Live by participating in dance parties and workout sessions and the experience has inspired her to shift her own launch strategy to the Instagram Live platform (instead of creating a web series).
There were many personal “silver linings” as well. Shalonda mentioned restoring and rebuilding family relationships, Celina said it allowed her to “view life and opportunities with even more gratitude…families are being mended, memories are being made.” Rachelle has used this time as an opportunity for “my husband and I to discuss the different expectations for men and women related to work and personal life” as they juggle housework and childcare while both working from home. Colleen mentioned the opportunity for “wonderful family time” with her teens. Time for prayer, meditation, additional sleep and game-playing were also mentioned.
There were so many wonderful and inspirational comments about coping, we put some of them in the accompanying video. Common advice for coping included self-care suggestions, like walking or exercising every day, relying on faith, meditation, journaling, therapy, and avoiding the social media and news outlets to remain calm. Khadi listens to soothing music while applying a facial. Lisa recommended maintaining structure and routine for both adults and children. She uses a daily schedule with her husband to divide up childcare and allow each of them time for exercise and work. In a similar vein, Imani said to “rise early and listen to your internal compass for the plan of the day.”
Finally, the oft-heard advice: Wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and maintain social distancing. Stay well!
Funding, Loans and Financial Support for Small Businesses
Working Remote
Family Resources
Self-Care
Other Resources
Haircare and beauty brand, SheaMoisture and its parent company, Sundial Brands, has announced a $1 million relief fund to help support women of color entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses affected by coronavirus. Applications will be available online April 8, 2020. Entrants must complete this registration form by 11:59pm eastern time, April 10, 2020. It is a quick turnaround time! For more information, follow SheaMoisture on Instagram or check this link.
Bank of America has put together a web page with resources for small businesses that are grappling with the challenges stemming from COVID-19 shutdowns. Included on this page is a link to Facebook’s Small Business Grant program. Facebook stated that they will be providing $100 million in grants and credits to 30,000 small businesses and application information will be posted soon.