When you're in the final stages of setting up your new business to launch and a pandemic strikes, what do you do? Stop, wait or go? This is the current predicament we find ourselves in and this is what we’re doing about it. Read on for more.
For the past six months or more, Paul and I have been busy behind the scenes setting up our own business Varity Project Services. After working together on and off for the past 18 years, starting our business has been something we’ve talked about doing for almost just as long. Finally, the time was right for both us from a professional and personal level, so we put the wheels in motion.
We went through all the usual processes of establishing a business; setting up an ABN, bank account, insurances, etc. We developed branding, stationery and during the past month we've been putting the final touches on our website and social presence – the final pieces of the puzzle to make us ‘official’.
As anyone who has ever started their own business knows launching is a big deal. There’s obviously a lot of work and preparation that goes into getting you to that stage alone. And whilst a lot of times you may be starting with a small client base or none at all, it’s a message to the world regardless; ‘we are open for business.’
“Just like in any project, when the unexpected happens, you carefully consider all your options and go with the one that makes the most sense from both a commercial and risk management point of view.”
From a personal perspective, there’s also a sense of triumph for getting what was previously just an idea off the ground. Additionally, there’s the anticipation and excitement for all the opportunities that lay ahead and the drive to turn that into something great.
That, however, was last month.
Come this month, the timing suddenly couldn’t be worse. Add to that, the fact that there doesn't look like there's going to be a 'good' time to do it anytime soon. Launching our business during a pandemic was obviously never part of the plan. Six months ago, it was unforeseeable, today it’s unavoidable.
And so, here we are.
Not that we’re alone by any stretch I might add. There are countless examples around the world of plans, lives and entire nations that have been drastically derailed by COVID-19.
But just like in any project, when the unexpected happens, you carefully consider all your options and go with the one that makes the most sense from both a commercial and risk management point of view. To me and Paul, this means forging ahead. It may not be business as usual, but it’s business, nonetheless. For the time being, sites are still operating, contracts are still being negotiated, concepts for future projects are still being developed.
With that in mind, I’m happy to say on behalf of Paul and I, that Varity Project Services is officially up and running. However, instead of just going to market and shouting about ourselves and our services all over the internet, we decided to change tact. We thought it might be more useful at a time like this to share how we’re approaching the current climate from a business perspective via these three key approaches.
1. Adapt
Like it or not though, things are different now. This is the new normal and the faster we all get used to it the better. Also, it’s happening in real time, so we have to be prepared to adapt to a new normal on pretty much a daily basis.
2. Act
Just because the sands are shifting at a rapid pace, doesn’t mean we have to stand still. If anything, it’s a time for quick thinking, decisiveness and problem solving, on small and large scales. Keeping things moving forward in whatever way possible is crucial.
3. Give back
It goes without saying, that this is a strange time, particularly in Australia coming right off the back of such a severe bushfire season. There’s anxiety in the streets, not to even mention the supermarkets. For a lot of businesses – within the construction industry and without – the fear is justified. This will legitimately take some under. And this is why, where possible, we’re trying to support our local businesses be it suppliers, coffee shops or grocers. It’s also why we’ve decided to donate $500 to Foodbank Australia. But it can also be as simple as giving some extra time, attention or patience to a work colleague or neighbour. Looking out for each other has never seemed like such a high priority.
In the meantime, if you have some time to spare, we’d love it if you could check out our website and spread the word to those who might be interested. And if you’re looking for more information about Varity and how we could assist your next project, you can get in touch with us here.
Finally, we’d love to know how you, or your business is adjusting, surviving or thriving in the current conditions, so drop us a comment in the section below.
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