I have had to reinvent myself many times in life, most markedly in 2002, when I got divorced from my first husband, and in 2010, when I was laid off from a job I loved four days before my second husband died.

Each time, it was painful and difficult, and I had to figure it out. The experiences made me strong, resourceful, resilient. And those traits are serving me well now as we all must create a new normal and mutate a little bit in the wake of COVID-19.

March 10 was the last normal workday I recall. I had a busy day at my desk and was at a client event in the evening. The next day, two press releases I had in the works fell through—my clients had had to close their stores. And three events I had helped a client organize were cancelled. There was nothing to promote.

Each day brought similar bad news.

After a week, there was only junk mail in my inbox. 

My gut reaction was to panic. How would I pay my bills? Would my clients come back? Was this the end of Beetle Press and Janice Beetle Books? Then, as I’ve mentioned, I shook myself off and saw the opportunity I had to work on my own creative projects and to work on my website and marketing as well.

I had about three weeks to do that—to imagine what else was possible for me, to work on a book of my own, to dream up a new feature for the Janice Beetle Books website (stay tuned). Then slowly, work trickled back in. I’ve done a few press releases for Beetle Press clients—most of them focused on client responses to the pandemic—but the majority of my work is for Janice Beetle Books.

I am writing one woman’s memoir, and I’m working on a how-to manual for a trio of businessmen. I have several other projects in the works at well, and I’m grateful and gratified. My own books can wait.

It astounds me that, a year ago, Janice Beetle Books did not exist, and this year, it is key in supporting me. That is tremendously affirming—like a big sign in the road saying, “This way!”

I have no doubt Beetle Press will come back as well. I will be here when my clients are ready.

I have created both of these businesses from nothing but an idea. To be able to do that feels accidental, but instead of feeling lucky, I’m going to take credit for following my heart both times. Tremendous thanks to business coach Val Nelson for helping me do that.

The point of this blog is not to pat myself on the back, though. It’s to show you a way out of a bad situation by applying your passion and creativity. 

Have you been laid off, like hundreds of thousands across the country? Are you at home, scared?

Give yourself some time to feel the emotions of it. Be angry. Sad. Anxious. Wring your hands.

Then, apply your own passion and creativity and imagine what is possible. 

What excites you? What do you love to do? Love to cook, garden, write?

Imagine how you might be able to help others with your skills.

Think about who you want to work with. Children? Adults? Seniors?

Think about what makes you happy—not what you think could bring in the biggest paycheck. What we love is the best compass.

Are there businesses out there you could turn to that are not suffering? It would be hard to find a job in the restaurant business now, but think about the industries that are thriving—businesses that sell home gym equipment, delivery services, toilet paper manufacturers. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

OR imagine creating a business around your passion. 

What steps could you take to bring your idea to life? To get paid for doing something that makes you feel fulfilled?

Use the internet to search for like-minded businesses in the area. See if there is competition. Research how to write a business plan. Name your business. Imagine the services you offer, and the fees associated with them. 

Then get the word out there. Create your own website. Register your business in your city or town. Create a social media presence. Write a press release. 

Don’t know how to do these things? Use the internet to learn, or recruit a team of friends, family, former colleagues who do have the experience and knowledge, and let them help you. Call Val! 

You have the time.

You could do it. 

Reinvent yourself! 

The post Reinvent Yourself by Following Your Heart appeared first on Beetle Press.

As business assistance coordinator for the community based, non-traditional lending organization, Kelly came on board the Common Capital team in January and is eagerly settling into her position. She will be working directly with Common Capital borrowers, providing technical assistance and coordination of supportive business services and training.

Kelly brings a uniquely blended knowledge base, with experience in economic development as well as community collaboration as she worked for a number of years with families in need of social services and with small businesses on their fiscal management.

I work with Kelly on the Common Capital enewsletter, and with Ruth Griggs and The Creative, in bringing marketing services to Common Capital clients. It’s easy for me to see that Kelly brings the same passion and knowledge to the job of helping businesspeople as I imagine she did to the work of bringing resources to struggling single mothers many years ago.

About Common Capital

The Common Capital Business Assistance Program is designed to provide one-on-one support to borrowers, offering access to resources needed for the long-term success of local small businesses. Through goal setting, accountability work and networking, Kelly works with business owners to develop a true structure of support.

She’s a whiz at thinking about the needs of Common Capital’s clients and the marketing and other channels that will best help them grow. When she’s determined that financial coaching would help them, or perhaps graphic design services, Kelly works to pair the clients with Common Capital partners like myself.

Kelly’s mind is constantly at work, brainstorming additional ways to raise awareness for clients and how to continue to build on the resources that Common Capital already provides to them.

The organization recently announced a new training component to the Business Assistance Program. Called Lynda.com, the platform will allow borrowers and prospective borrowers to access free learning on in-depth topics ranging from business principles to money management to social media marketing.

That’s an impressive reveal in the first few months on the job, when most people are struggling to learn their role and remember their new passwords (and colleague’s names). And Kelly has gone further than that. She is also hard at work, writing new Business Tips for entrepreneurs and clients to read on the Common Capital website.

I am especially impressed by this skill. Kelly is using editorial content and the written word to help clients build knowledge and raise awareness, and, in this way, she is also raising awareness for Common Capital. Super smart. And also well-done. I told Kelly she did a great job writing her tips!

Last month, Kelly penned a tip on understanding the differences in borrowing from different types of lenders. Her second tip was about building relationships on social media, my personal favorite.

You too could use the written word and storytelling to raise awareness about and grow your business. Follow Kelly’s good lead: Write a blog about a client’s successful experience. Post a quote from a happy client on social media.

These new marketing channels make it so easy to grow your business, and if you’re not as adept as Kelly and need help with that, you can send me an email.

The post Taking Good Care of Clients is Good PR appeared first on Beetle Press.