There is a famous quote often used when adverse situations seem they may not offer any good outcomes:
“Behind every dark cloud, there is a silver lining.” – Unknown.
COVID-19 has been called the savior, the messenger, the changer, even the equalizer. Although it seemed it was a dark cloud hanging over the universe, it also unveiled many opportunities of progress for those who dared to push the envelope and claim their WIN!
From the concessionaire who sells pan chicken at parties to the stock market investor on Wall Street, the hit of COVID-19 has presented setbacks and created opportunities for progress.
“When life throws you lemons, you should make lemonade.” – Unknown
When COVID-19 started, many business owners closed their doors, and many people lost their jobs. For some, the devastation lasted for months; for others, it was only for a moment. Some unemployed decided that there must be a way to make lemonade. While some business owners decided the pandemic would not consume their years of sacrifice.
Then came the silver lining behind the cloud…
By silver lining, I mean the hope technology provided in all its capabilities and capacities. Some unemployed persons became virtual freelancers offering their skills and services to clients via online freelancing platforms.
When Chai Studios’ (in Kingston, Jamaica) owner, Shani McGraham Shirley, realized she had to close the doors of her physical fitness studios, the fun-fitness coach decided to post on her FaceBook page a schedule for virtual classes. Her first class was an unexpected, overwhelming success. In its ten years, never once did Chai Studios have 100 persons in any one class before. COVID-19 gifted Shani, and her staff increased membership and earning. Her prompt and positive responsiveness to the enforced social restrictions directly influenced the transformation and increased profit margins for her once exclusive brick and mortar business – now online!
The COVID-19 silver lining was not limited to business and freelancing. It impacted high rolling investors and persons who had never traded or bought stocks before. Due to the pandemic, several companies’ stock values declined. It created the opportunity for more persons to enter the market as shareholders. Real estate also became affordable for some persons, as others decided to part company with properties to provide for their families. Companies also merged and shared their resources for efficiency and greater productivity.
The Ultimate Positive
The ultimate positive from COVID-19 resides in the lessons the experience taught. However, only in the application of the learning will we truly receive value. According to Forbes Advisor, March 2021, “There’s a lot to learn from the events of the past 12 months”. “The year 2020 was the ultimate playbook of investment lessons,” says financial planner Desmond Henry of Topeka, Kan. “You could write a whole book about it.”
For us at BGB, the COVID-19 experienced came with its fair share of challenges and disappointments. However, the impact of learning and earning outweighed the negatives. We grew from the experience and overcame the challenges with ease by focusing on the positives.
“To truly acquire the learning from every wisdom teaching experience, we must embrace each journey and respect our sacrifices.” – Giannah Smith.
What did you learn from the COVID-19 experience? As you transition from inside to outside, think about how you can use that learning to overcome and thrive!
Share with us; we would love to hear from you. Email: info@blackgreenandbold.com