We are working remotely. We are using technology. We are communicating virtually. We are securing new business. For our team that’s par for the course for the past 12 years. But for many others it’s Business As Unusual.
This current crisis we are experiencing reminds me of when I lost my job in 2008 because of the Recession and I couldn’t find work, like millions of other Americans. But this is worse: a worldwide pandemic that has forced us all into quarantining. Holy crap! I have to tell you, what we experienced back in 2008 when we launched our business with very little resources, and no entrepreneurial experience whatsoever, seems like peanuts in comparison to what’s happening now.
However, about 10 days ago we realized that indeed all of us on the URBANDER team, including our podcast collaborator UdoU Productions, are trying to manage this existential threat, high anxiety and toilet paper rationing as well as we can in our personal lives. BUT, from a workflow standpoint, about 85% of what we do has not changed. Put simply: Business As Unusual is our normal. We are not intimidated by economic uncertainty. Why?
- Our reputation precedes us and is what sustains us.
Tip: Reach out to people that know the quality of your work first-hand. Our network is composed of colleagues, friends and collaborators who we value and value us. We have earned each other’s respect by running the extra mile in everything we do. Now, if your reputation sucks – we can’t quite help you with that at this particular moment. But if you DO have a good reputation, refer others and ask for referrals.
2. We know how to hustle while being mindful of others.
Tip: When I lost my job in 2008 and launched URBANDER, the first thing I did was pull out my Rolodex (remember those) and started calling EVERYONE I had worked with in some way, shape or form in my former career as a media and publishing executive. Thirty calls a day. No joke. But it was to people and decision-makers I or Scott Marrero (our Creative Director and my husband) knew personally, because I didn’t want to annoy strangers with an unsolicited call in the midst of an economic crisis. So, pick up that phone and start calling your peeps!
This is Scott Marrero. He’s our go-to for creative and when we need some comic relief!
3. We have expertise in multiple disciplines (or know who does).
Tip: Hire and collaborate with people who complement your strengths and you feel you can learn new stuff from. But before you engage (or get married to a new client), make sure you date for a little bit by working on small projects to make sure your values are aligned. It’s just like being in a committed relationship. For example, I met Chris Majocha from UdoU Productions two years ago and after we experienced each other’s work ethic and the quality of our deliverables we decided to launch our weekly podcast “I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY”. The podcast’s first anniversary is coming up in May 2020. Now we are working together on this Business As Unusual initiative. When you collaborate with fascinating and thought-provoking people you wind up having a fun time. So, collaborate with others and have some fun!
This is Chris Majocha. He’s a wonderful collaborator and has become family.
4. Everything we do has a strategy, purpose and process.
Tip: Plan, plan, plan before you execute a new idea, campaign or program. I thank God every day for my colleague and sister from another mister, Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, because she has a strategic mind and does intentional work (like me), and she’s a beast when it comes to establishing processes (which I hate, but I’m learning from her). Having a tight strategy, well-defined goals and a clear roadmap to reach them is paramount to get things done right. And it also helps having Xaulanda cracking the whip to make sure we are on task. If you don’t have a Xaulanda, no worries. You can still put pen to paper and start planning!
This is Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel. Our brilliant, organized and focused drill sergeant.
5. We are creative and love to tackle audacious new projects.
Tip: Don’t dismiss ideas or prospective business opportunities that you may consider too lofty or outside of your comfort zone. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, collaborate with people you’ve wanted to work with because you admire their work, and learn new skills. I encourage you to pause for a moment right now and think of that cool project or business concept you envisioned a while back and never pursued. Pull it out of your memory drawer and explore ways you can bring it to life. And then go back to Tip #4 (Plan your strategy, articulate your goals and figure out a sound roadmap to make it happen).
In the last few weeks, we – URBANDER and UdoU – have made some quick adjustments and investments to make up for that 15% of our business offerings that required us to meet in person. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a large company or wanting to start your own thing, we are hopeful you’ll find something of value in what we have planned to share through our social media assets in the weeks to come. It’s all practical and FUN stuff we have learned throughout the years that we think will be useful to professionals who are embracing doing Business As Unusual, like us. After all, it can be done, and it should be fun!
This is me (Samí Haiman-Marrero) in the hustle.
