There's not denying that we're in strange times. Life as we know it has changed, even if it's for a limited amount of time, things are changing and the repercussions of this pandemic are unknown- particularly within the private label manufacturing sector, or sportswear/ fashion industry.
It's very easy to fall into the trap of listening to the news daily and buy into the negative reporting. I'm not saying you need to be oblivious to what's going on around you- far from it, but what I am saying is that limiting your exposure to negative news reporting is the first step to changing your perception about this situation. You know that cliché saying that goes "In every cloud, there's a sliver lining" yep, that one! That couldn't be more applicable than the situation everyone is in right now. Whether you're better, or worse off the fact is that everyone around the world (on the most part) is in this situation and the best thing to do is to use this time to be productive.
Look, I know I'm a businessman and that my interests, hobbies probably differ from the general population... most people probably don't enjoy reading business books, studying the market, or listening to podcasts; but hey, I guess that's what makes me (or other entrepreneurs) different! And I don't want you to get to this stage of the blog and think oh I'm not an entrepreneur and therefore this doesn't apply from me, because far from it. This blog is written for everyone... so that you can ignore the negativity in the world right now and focus on the uniqueness of this situation.
Think about it... this is the first time ever you will have absolutely no excuse. There's minimal distractions- no opportunities to meet friends, go drinking, eating fast-food, wasting away your days or loosing focus. In isolation in your home, you are literally in the best situation to further develop a skill, take up a hobby, or improve something about yourself- physical or mental.
I recently published a blog titled "How to work from home: tips for running your fashion business during Coronavirus" - the link is below if you'd like to read about how to maximise productivity within your daily routine:
https://www.white2labelmanufacturing.com/post/working-from-home
Let me use a personal example, so I can paint a better picture of how I'm using this time. We, as a UK based fashion manufacturing company have had the same branding and website since launch. Sure, it does the job but it can be so much more and with the usual days being hectic- from client emails and phone calls to meetings and logistically planning production and importation, it's very tough to be able to devote a lot of time to sitting down and discussing with an agency how we can improve the branding. Therefore, with the current situation, I decided to do just that... spend more time conducting research and finding what elements of our branding and website work, what elements don't work so well and therefore painting a better picture of what needs to be done, then cross-referencing that with an agency who can put the idea into motion.
Now, is that a valuable use of my time? Yes, because this is something that needed to be done and with more time on my hands, I can spend more time conducting research, so that we can really hit the nail on the head.. as I usually say, if you're going to do something then do it right and don't (as my Dad would say) "half-arse it"
How can my example apply to you?
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not here to talk about myself. I'm using a personal example to help whoever is reading this and wondering how they can use this time, so that when this period is over, they can at least look back with some positivity (even with all the gloom in the world right now)
- Find what works for you: my example is business based, but not everyone runs a business. Think of something you've always wanted to do- is it learn a new language, an instrument, a new skill or even do more things with the family?
- Take baby steps: create small, achievable milestones and goals to achieving that thing you set out to achieve during this time. Using that good old SMART acronym- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. FYI- don't message me and say I didn't get it right, message my GCSE PE teachers and tell them you taught Anthony wrong.
- Reward yourself: this is something hugely overlooked nowadays. You need to reward yourself when you've hit a milestone, even if it's a perceptually small one. Rewarding yourself will keep you motivated to continue onto the next milestone and I know you can't necessarily take yourself out for a steak and wine meal, but you get the gist.
- Devote time to it and slowly increase: this might seem obvious, but it's important. As with anything, moderation is key. Slowly implementing a new task into your daily routine is something that should be done gradually and slowly, to avoid you burning out, or getting bored of it quickly. It's very easy to get carried away with excitement of something new and a week in be burnt out because you've overdone it!
- Have fun with it: last point (& the most important) is to have fun with it. You have more time on your hands so make the most of it! Shift your thinking from negative to positive and make the most of this situation you're in now, because chances are- this will be the only time in yours and our lifetime that we will have this opportunity again and yes, it is an opportunity, if you perceive it to be.
I hope this has helped you in some way! If you have any questions about the products, or services that we offer- feel free to follow the link and contact us www.white2labelmanufacturing.com
White2Label Manufacturing.
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