![What I'm Doing Right Now [QTMM 3-16-20]-drawing](https://www.stonesoupcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/What-Im-Doing-Right-Now-QTMM-3-16-20-drawing.jpg)
Today I listened to the calm and compassionate wisdom of Ilise Benun of Marketing Mentor, who coaches small creative businesses. I’ve been following her for years. She shared a video on her blog, What I’m Doing Right Now, and I followed along with a digital drawing on my iPad.*
Like all of us, Ilise has no idea where this is all going, but advises us to focus on our positive mindset. Here’s several points she touched upon:
1. Be grateful. Heck, I know how work from home, I’ve been doing it for over 20 years. And I’m a creative introvert, so I know how to entertain myself. I’m grateful for this experience. I’m also grateful for the community of visual practitioners that is stepping up to help all of us. On Friday I posted a comment in a FB group about learning zoom and combining it with digital scribing and I had *two people* message me to jump on a call right away to teach me how to do it. And I have another friend who was willing to practice with me in advance of an upcoming gig.
2. Be flexible. Every event for the foreseeable future is cancelled. All my in-person graphic recording work has dried up. I’m worried. But I’m also willing to try working remotely. It will entail learning a new skillset (online tech tools – scary! but do-able).
3. Be proactive. Ilise suggests we reach out to our clients to offer creative solutions – and not wait for them to tell us what they need.
4. Be helpful. I’m not sure how to act right now. I want to help my clients and be supportive, but what is the right tone to take? One of them is a nonprofit that focuses on making health data accessible in his state. He’s consumed with pivoting to be COVID-19 relevant. Will I be “bothering” him if I reach out? Or worse, will I sound exploitative? Hey wait. I’m a creative expert. I’m a communications professional. I know my clients and my market. I’m sure I can help him, and others, problem solve, and advise on what to say, how to say it, and when.
Finally: Be calm. Fear is contagious. Breathe. Be the voice of reason during these Crazy Times.
* Want to see a time lapse video of the drawing take shape? Check it out here ›
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