Do the right thing

During the lockdown there are a million things on the internet, social media and WhatsApp doing the rounds to get people motivated and working. There are so many things getting us down: Potential financial impact of the lockdown, job losses, lack of exercise, loneliness, etc, etc, etc.

No matter what we do and the plans we are trying to make, there are so many pitfalls and roadblocks around, that normal is no longer normal. We have to either compromise, adjust or get left behind. It's a harsh reality.

During the past week I attended a Zoom briefing of Doxa Deo Brooklyn for small businesses, with an economic outlook of what is currently taking place as well as some practical advise to ensure you keep the boat afloat.

The image below was relevant, especially the 3 points on the bottom right:


To make it practical:

Support people and businesses affected by lockdowns

Proverbs 10 verse 9 reads: Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

I do not believe that anyone wants to harm others deliberately. For you to support your own business, but also your staff, consider the following:

  1. Submit your claim to the UIF
  2. Initiate income protection claims
  3. Negotiate with your creditors as far as possible
  4. Discuss cashflow etc with your bank

Prepare to get back to work

Harsh as it may sound, 2 Thessalonians 3 verse 10 reads: For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.

This is the ideal time to reorganize your business and concentrate on the aspects that made it a business in the first place. Growth is always good, but also relaxes your expense side a bit. Make sure all expenses are critical, cut the rest.

Time to be a realist, not a socialist.

Prepare to accelerate the recovery


Pray for your staff, pray for your creditors/suppliers. Also pray for your clients, and assist them to keep THEIR clients, else they cannot afford you anymore.

Be innovative. It is the time of change, drive the change.

Do not link your personal finance and your business finances. Make the hard decisions, and commit to them long-term. That is for both yourself and your business.

Take guidance from the government initiatives. Pray for wisdom in the government.

In conclusion. Change is not always good. Good change is good. And as Alan Platt always says, good news is only good news if it is good news. Good news is only good news if it includes you.

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