I came across this post on New Jersey State Bar Association’s website. As the coronavirus crisis continues, and I am still under stay-at-home orders, I found the post helpful. Combined with my own experience, this blog will highlight a few interesting points of the post.
My biggest struggle has been the lack of structure. My sleep patterns are off, my kids are home, I cannot visit with clients, and the days blend together. I found it beneficial to try to keep some semblance of structure. While I cannot go to the office, I can act like I am. This means getting up early in the morning and doing normal things – shower, dress, make coffee and arrange my day. Because, I am used to being onsite with clients, I have found it helpful to move around the house. For example, I will bring my laptop from my home office to the kitchen table. Likewise, I will work outside when the weather allows. The other thing that I think is important is to eat meals on a normal schedule.
Stay Connected
Another good idea is to stay connected with people even though we are socially distant. This means checking in with business relationships – and personal relationships. I carve out time for phone calls and text messages. Zoom meetings can be tough with 4 kids and 2 dogs running around the house. However, do not just check in. Check in because you care. Show empathy. Inquire about health – mental, emotional and physical.
As a marketing professional, I genuinely believe that when the crisis passes, there will be opportunity. This is a good time to position yourself and your business for success. Understand what your clients will be facing when this crisis ends. Figure out solutions to their problems. Nobody can predict the future, but one thing is certain, tough times are ahead. Be creative to finding solutions. For example, can your billing and collection practices be flexible to help clients, and prospective clients? How can you create a competitive advantage for your practice? How will you market it?
A few other things from the post that stuck out for me:
“Change out of your PJs!”
“Get up and away from the damn thing [read: laptop] every once in a while.”
“Remember to take breaks and to shut down when it’s time to shut down.”
“Stop watching the news.”
Of course, the best thing we can do, is stay positive and healthy during the coronavirus crisis. Eventually, this crisis will be behind us. At that time, I hope that you are ready for continued success. Until then, call me to talk legal marketing.