Happy January 2021 everyone. The sigh of relief is REAL. We finally made it. Prior to the “C” word, we assumed tomorrow would turn out much like yesterday, but after March 2020 the world turned upside down. Since then, we have been a Corona-coaster ride of emotions, zoom parties, Netflix marathons, banana bread baking, connection, isolation, stillness, chaos and gratitude… all rolled into one. We’d like to recap a few lessons this wild year has taught us and what we think you can implement for the mighty 2021.
2020: the year businesses had to adapt to survive
In the midst of 2020, while working with venues in the hospitality sector, we had to rethink our strategies. “Soft skills” such as time management, internal and external communication, customer empathy and training had to be adapted so that both our venues and our own business could thrive beyond the pandemic. 2020 has taught us that we need to be prepared for anything.
Lesson 1: Expect the unexpected and stay resilient
“The new normal” became the phrase of 2020. The pandemic paved a new way for individuals to live and businesses to operate. Crisis management, restrictions and abrupt closures caused so many vulnerable venues to shut their doors. While overnight changes have been devastating for all stakeholders, lockdowns and restrictions have highlighted some businesses strengths, many coming back stronger and more resilient than ever before. Hospitality venues have had no choice but to reassess their teams, functions, training and crisis management strategies. Hospitality workers are under pressure to “keep calm and carry on,” while working harder than ever before once restrictions are lifted. Resilience is the key for 2021 because we really don’t know what is around the corner.
Lesson 2: Prioritise empathy and connection
Shit went down in 2020. Let’s be honest, before Covid hit if someone asked “how are you doing?” or “I hope you are well!” we would probably trail off on a polite tangent about the weather or mumble an automatic response without even thinking about it. Today, these questions hold so much more value and meaning. 2020 has unleashed the sense of empathy toward others. The tone of these simple words are distinctively different now and reflect genuine concern. Human connection is more important than ever before and technology proved that we can keep in touch with our nearest and dearest, even in the most isolating circumstances. Lessons to take into 2021? Stay connected. Check up on your mates. Thank your loyal customers. Pay attention to your team. Reply to your DMs. Call your Grandma and say I love you.
Lesson 3: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Our last and final lesson to implement into your 2021 strategy comes from our founder and creative director, Chrissy S “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, change is fucking hard, value your mental health and set boundaries.”
COVID taught us to be adaptable and diversify our business model in order to survive. The Creative Little Soul model has many strings to her bow. We offer marketing advice, content creation, training and development, a podcast, aromatherapy oils and letters for children. This proved to be most valuable in 2020, particularly when the hospitality industry went into complete lockdown.
Are you left feeling a little frazzled by 2020?
These are some of the key lessons we have taken away from 2020. We got through 2020 together. Surely this means we’ll sail through 2021? Here at CLS, we’re excited for the year ahead and aim to help our fantastic clients reach new heights in the new year. We ask you to join us in making this the best year yet, but if you left 2020 feeling a little lost, why not get in touch with Creative Little Soul team. Let us help you navigate your business through 2021 and beyond.