By Neal Glatt

Like most of us, I’m stuck working at home while doing my part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  While there have been some real challenges and plenty of canceled events, overall I’m loving quarantine.  Here’s why you should be loving this time too.

Let’s face it - life is way too busy.  This is the perfect opportunity to slow down and refocus on what matters most.  Taking time to have longer, more strategic reflection is a massive blessing for anyone in business.  Here are my top five questions for reflection:

1. What’s working great right now?
2. What opportunities are presenting themselves?
3. Where do I want to grow next?
4. What daily activities do I need to change?
5. What do I need to learn to get to the next level?

After spending some time with these questions, I have two weeks to get a head start on my action plan!  Depending on your current weather and service mix, you may have the same amount of time.  Fortunately, there are plenty of great ways to capitalize. 

The number one issue that business owners and managers tell me about is that they’re just too busy with the day-to-day to invest in their business.  What a gift to have some mandatory break time! 

There are three things I’m focused on right now that I believe every business would benefit from.  First, refine 2020 plans and projections.  Obviously plenty has changed in just a few short weeks, so it will pay dividends to revisit 2020 plans.  Second, it’s time to dial in marketing.  There is always something that needs updating in marketing that just never gets updated.  That time is now.  And most importantly, I’m focused on learning.  I’ve got some great books and some great online conferences to attend from my professional associations.

Because I want to help you and your business, and because I know times are tough, I’d like to invite you to learn here on GrowTheBench for FREE during your quarantine.  Just add the All-Access Pass to your cart and use the code COVID at checkout for 30 days of free access to all of our courses.  And don’t forget to sign up your key managers too!  I guarantee if you choose to invest in yourself and your people, then put what you learn into practice, you’ll come out stronger as a result.