This special, extended summer edition of our newsletter offers a look back at the “year of COVID” and what it’s meant in the lives of four of KDI Consulting’s clients and colleagues. As we continue with who knows what will happen in our COVID-19 world, I hope reading these stories will give you a chance to reflect on what has happened in your professional and personal life. Where will you go from here?

Nora Akins (Strategic Management Human Resource Solutions, LLC)

Before the pandemic I offered two different series of public supervisory training classes. Those stopped, and I decided not to hold the classes virtually. It was a tough decision, resulting in lost revenue, marketing and client outreach. But I stuck with my belief that live, interactive training is far more effective.

I have a few colleagues with similar practices as mine. One of them, who moved to Zoom training, ultimately confirmed my approach. Professionally, I know I made the right decision for myself. And it gave me a bit of free time.

Aside from the fear and loss of the pandemic, I feel so fortunate to have had an opportunity to be home, feel safe and continue to do other work virtually. As a consultant working from a home office for 15 years, I didn’t have to make a transition from an external office environment. However, everything just slowed down. I’ve learned that businesses lean in instead out in times of crisis.

Looking ahead… a few of my clients have asked if I will offer my training series this fall. I’m a bit reluctant because I feel there’s a possibility the pandemic conditions will return with the flu season. I’m facing that decision right now.

Jeannie Henderson (Jeannie Cleaning)

As we headed into COVID-19 lockdown, I was offered the opportunity to become a Cleaning Business Fundamentals Community coach. It has filled my days with coaching conversations with cleaning business owners across the U.S., Canada and internationally, in addition to leading my own team at Jeannie Cleaning. This opportunity came at just the right time for me. It has been so rewarding to help other businesses navigate these challenging times and inspired me to grow as a business leader.

If I hadn’t leaned in and taken on extra leadership responsibilities, my business would have suffered along with the financial stability of my family. Instead, the opposite has happened. I’ll never be thankful for the pandemic and all the hardship it has brought into the lives of so many. But I’m grateful for the people who have inspired me, pushed me and cheered me on.

This year has forced me to stretch, to learn and to charge into things that would normally intimidate me. I had to decide to fight for my business and my team or to give in to fear. I just couldn’t give up on my team. We rallied, strategized and set big goals, and it’s been a joy to watch my team grow as individuals. We’ve all become stronger!

The hardest thing about the pandemic has been the distance it created with the people I love. It’s shown me how precious and important the moments are that we share. I’ve become more grateful for my family and friends. I’m more intentional on planning time together — and to being present and truly listening and responding well.

As for what’s next. Continuing to grow our team is our biggest challenge. We’re working hard to create and deliver the best workplace experience that we can. I want to make our brand, our cause and our culture irresistible to job candidates.

Jan Andersen (Wordworks Kalamazoo)

In October 2020 I formally closed my corporation (Beyond Words, Inc.). This ended the final 24 years of my professional life. I was semi-retired going into 2020, and COVID-19 swept away the last of my client work.

I ultimately opened a DBA (Wordworks Kalamazoo) as a way to handle small jobs/requests that come my way. But I’m basically retired. I’m very lucky that I was near the end of my full-time working life when COVID-19 hit. I was able to look at options and let the corporation go without having to worry about childcare, juggling debt, paying rent, etc.

Now, I finally have time to actively pay attention to my health and have spent more time talking/being with friends. Travel is on the agenda starting this fall, assuming that we don’t go through any more COVID-19 lockdowns!

Mary-Frances Oliphant (Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services)

The single biggest business change I went through due to COVID-19 was a career change. I ended up leaving a long-term and successful career to try something completely new. Along the way, like many people, I became sad and depressed not being able to do the things I enjoyed or see the people I wanted to spend time with.

As we go back to the office, I think the biggest challenge I’ll face is that I want/need to work from home more often — similar to what many others are facing. I think we’ll continue to be mindful of others’ sensitivities who are still struggling with fear of the pandemic.

And finally, a few reflections of my own…

The effects of COVID-19 made it more difficult to carry on at times. But I was fortunate that business didn’t completely stop, so I had client work to keep me moving forward. Interns in the office helped me to manage the work and were a huge support during the times that I wasn’t feeling all that sure/positive. I was able to expand my online training and created a virtual services section in my personal image offerings. I’m getting much more comfortable behind a camera!

Personally, it meant a GREAT summer at the lake in 2020. I was “stranded” at home with my husband (finally not traveling for work) during fabulous weather. Although we got to know more of our neighbors who live here at the lake, we missed family and friends near and far that we couldn’t spend time with. Zoom and phone calls helped us stay in touch.

Even with all the uncertainty, I feel like I’ve positioned my business well throughout the pandemic. Staying the course with my writing, videos, etc. helped keep my brand out in front of people. And the launch of a new KDI Consulting website gave me something new and exciting to focus on. (Yes, we continue to work on it!)

It appears that many people are ready to find a new normal. I hope that what was shaping up to be a best-year-yet in late ‘19 will ramp back up for a decent finish to ’21, leading to a great ’22. Fingers crossed for all of us!