This season is, to say the least, uncertain for all of us. There's this spectrum of attitudes from absolutely terrified to seemingly flippant and everywhere in between. While we think staying educated is the best action you can take during this time, the second best might be to stay positive, spread love when and how you can (while staying safe and protecting others) and keep your assumptions about others generous. Another helpful reminder echos in my heart from our beloved Mister Rogers: it's okay to have two feelings at the same time. It's okay to be scared and even a teensy bit annoyed. It's okay to be curious and it's okay to stop checking facebook for a while. It's okay to admit to someone you're feeling anxious... and it's okay to say strong things when someone admits their anxiety to you (even if you're sharing their fears). This is a challenging time for all of us.

During this complex time, may we see the proof of how connected we all really are, and carry that with us long after this period of history has passed. May we be more generous of spirit moving forward, knowing that our actions really do have a ripple effect that is tangible and meaningful. May we stand strong together, holding one another up when the waves of effect wash over our businesses and livelihoods. May we be giving and generous to those in need, while accepting generosity humbly and graciously when we find ourselves in need. May we be brave enough to ask for help when we need it, not forgetting to help in turn when we're asked. May we remember, as my own mother keeps helping remind me, that "This too shall pass."

If you're a business owner during this season and find your calendar more and more blank, here's some ways you might consider using your "blank space" in the upcoming weeks.

1) Strategic planning for the future.

Remember when you started your business and you had time? Remember when you used that to plan for the future, make calls to prospects, and maybe even start a rough draft of an employee manual? Now might be a great time to channel that "beginners" spirit. Look at your current business in this period of lull as the potential to plan a better business in the future. What will you change moving forward to better prepare for potential difficulties in the future? How can you correct any problems that are arising now?

2) Start having better conversations with your support partners.

My husband is a commercial banker. His clients are business owners like me. He is a wealth of knowledge for how to prepare for times like this- how much capital you need to get through X amount of time. Your banker or accountant or bookkeeper would likely love to chat with you about your working capital cycle, how much liquidity you should consider maintaining in your business, and so forth. See if you can schedule a Zoom meeting with these support partners in your business to chat about these items in the upcoming weeks. (Please also note that this season is indeed affecting those with "payroll" jobs. If they don't have time to meet now, allow them a little more lead time, but keep a meeting on the books.)

3) Plan your marketing.

It's times like these that are perfect for getting a calendar full for social media posts, blogs, etc. Use your time to ramp up your marketing once everyone is adjusting to "life after".

4) Take some time off.

This might be the hardest one on the list for most entrepreneurs. If you have no choice especially, allow yourself to find a place of grace and simply rest. Recharge. Rejuvenate yourself through play. It is- to be sure- work for most entrepreneurial types to stop working, but as much as you can, allow yourself to do so.

5) Brainstorm creative ways to move forward.

What was or will be hit the hardest in your operations? Were face to face meetings canceled with no way to recoup that time? Consider a subscription to a virtual meeting service for the future. Was your team avoided because your staff doesn't have a professional, clean look about them? Perhaps you need to invest in uniforms, and create an employee manual for dress code expectations like maintaining a clean shave or keeping hair well groomed and tied back if longer than shoulder length. Discuss the specific issues with your legal team or lawyer, but now might be a great time to develop a higher standard for the future.

6) Consider financial generosity if you've been fortunate (or your industry won't be impacted during this season).

We're approaching a certain economic wave, just as we're approaching social changes. If your business or livelihood is in an industry that will take a smaller hit than others, consider ways you can financially support others that might be more dramatically affected. Give bigger tips to service industry workers that were forced to take time off. Purchase gift cards from small businesses, restaurants, or vendors you work with to give to your clients, employees, or friends. Instead of purchasing items on Amazon once social distancing is behind us, take a trip to your local "downtown" district and purchase similar items from small business owners instead.

What ways are you "making the best" of an open calendar? How are you spreading hope instead of fear in the upcoming days and weeks in your business or personal life?

Thanks for being a part of this big, crazy, wonderful human family. Thanks for protecting others and spreading love. We'll get through this together, one day at a time.

In gratitude, and with love,
Sam and the FIVE:thirty team.