abouttime
how to plan during UNCERTAIN TIMES karen whiting | karenwhiting.com
Contingencies, alternative scenarios, adaptive programs, and other terms are being bounced around as ideas to plan anew. It makes us pray and wonder how to prepare for
alternative futures. Yet, many of us have faced uncertainty on a personal level in the past. The Coronavirus brought on a new level of uncertainty. Be adaptable, sometimes changing delivery methods and interpersonal interactions. We must trust God and pray for wisdom. James 4:15 becomes our motto: Instead, you should say, “If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that.” Consider future plans like a “choose your own adventure book” (scenario planning) with a beginning, middle, and ending. You’ll be creating a map of alternative routes. Know the possibilities: • All possible delivery methods available • Person-to-person live and online interaction methods available • Possible live events and cancellation costs plus final date to cancel • Brochures and promotion that include alternative plans and communication links • Be poised to reschedule live events when those doors openl • Make plans to fill needs with new methods when you cannot go where you are needed. • Create projects with no definite time, just ready to book later.
• Design new programs to do from a distance to replace ones done in person. Evaluate what you can control, such as your current situation and money on hand. Consider the best use of those assets. Conduct surveys to know how people will respond to your ideas. Reach out to meeting planners, conference directors, and others who schedule events. Let them know you want to be kept in the loop and will be ready when calendars and venues open up. Provide fresh ideas to meet the new needs of audiences. Let your audiences know you want to meet in person when it’s safe, and ask for them to keep you in mind. Be prepared to book us when things calm down. Send Christmas cards to your contacts in hopes of bookings in the coming year. Use the extra time at home to plan new talks, books, and social media campaigns. It might be a good time to take training to start a new venture, such as developing a podcast, doing FB live, or pitching a column for a newspaper or magazine. With so many online training conferences, it’s easy to learn something new you can apply. It might be time to get some elective surgery or other treatment you put off due to a busy schedule. Network with friends to develop some cross-promotion and possible joint speaking events online or future in-person ones. A newsletter to bless others with free gifts from friends can grow everyone’s email list. Above all, seek God’s will and trust the future to Him. He knew the virus would come far ahead of its arrival. And He knows the plans He has for you.
31.
