Here's this week's 1 fact, 1 tip, 1 tool, 1 question and 1 action, carefully crafted to get you thinking. It’s time to pull The Lever!   

Justine 

Your Virtual Assistant 

I’m in no doubt that running a business in today’s economic climate is more challenging than ever.   

Sure, we’ve navigated our way through a global pandemic. Come out the other side stronger and better equipped to take on whatever else comes our way.   

But isn’t it crazy how just when things start to feel normal again, BAM, we’re hit with yet another challenge? (I’m looking at you, labour market)   

Ever the optimist, I try to find the positive in every situation. So, I just wonder if maybe there is an opportunity for all of us facing an obstacle in business? I’d love to think there is, and I dare you to do the same!   

In this week’s The Lever, I’m exploring how to turn obstacles into opportunities. 

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1 FACT 🧐 

“Never let a good crisis go to waste. I see challenges as the most opportune time for a leader to demonstrate true leadership qualities.”   

~Winston Churchill~  

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1 TIP 💡  

It can be hard to see the opportunity hidden within the obstacle. In the past, I’ve really struggled with this, but I find these 3 strategies help:  

✅  Don’t be afraid to diversify—think about ways to diversify your business to meet your challenges head-on. 

✅  Follow a fixed process to evaluate and resolve problems — Don’t panic!   

✅  Define the scope of the problem, document possible solutions, and implement a plan of action. 

✅  Tap into the collective intelligence around you — Ask for help. Talk to other like-minded people in your industry. Get a mentor. Share ideas and inspiration.  

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1 TOOL 💥 

A challenge that many of my clients are struggling with right now is staff shortages. What with COVID, migration, and low unemployment, it’s something many businesses across New Zealand are facing. In this recent blog (The New Pandemic, Staff Shortages), I share possible solutions and examples of businesses we’re working with to overcome this obstacle.  

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1 QUESTION ❓ 

What are some obstacles facing you right now that you could turn into opportunities?  

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1 ACTION 🎬 

This week, get inspiration and ideas from your team, your mentor, a Facebook group, or an expert in your industry for an obstacle you’re facing or a problem you’re trying to solve.  You don't have to do this alone!  

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📕 Here's the free guide I referred to "The 5-Step Process to Reducing your Admin"