Not too long ago, we didn’t use words like “COVID-19” and “social distancing.” We shook hands, planned BBQs and events and looked forward to summer vacation. In a few short months, everything changed. COVID-19 affects us all. It affects our businesses. It affects our customers and our neighbors.
Although lock down orders and social distancing parameters are being set across the country and our businesses may be experiencing some lows, there are still many ways to give. A few months ago, I read a powerful book called The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea. As business owners, we are accustomed to being “go-getters” but what happens when we transform into “go-givers?” The book asserts, and I wholeheartedly agree, that when we focus on giving, rather than getting, our businesses and lives are transformed.
Putting the interests of others before our own leads to unexpected returns. The general public is paying attention to how businesses handle the current COVID-19 crisis. Did businesses value money over employee safety? How did they treat employees when layoffs were inevitable? These things matter and during a time when we are scared of losing our health and income, giving is more important than ever.
Here are a few ways to be a “go-giver” during this crisis:
Volunteer Golf Car Rides
Breathing fresh air and enjoying the beauty nature has to offer is an important part of maintaining sanity during this strange time. For many, especially elderly living in assisted living facilities, mobility is a challenge. Consider volunteering to take residents for a ride around the parking lot or down a trail. A few hours enabling those with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoors during this time of seclusion could be life changing.
Perform Free Maintenance
Put some of your free time to use. Let go of the stresses of running a business during these uncertain times and give your time to someone in need. Maybe a neighbor needs their new wheels and tires installed. Perhaps residents in your local RV park could benefit from some free spring battery maintenance. You have valuable golf car skills that could be a true blessing for someone right now.
Help Those in Need
Do you know of community members who are immunocompromised and unable to leave their homes? Use your fleet of golf cars to offer assistance to those in need right now. Drop off meals or groceries or other essentials. Check on those who are living alone, if only to give a wave and quick “hello” from your golf car. Social isolation can be detrimental to mental health for those who live alone. Now is the time to look out for each other.
What we may view as a catastrophic time for our businesses can be transformed into an opportunity to give in bigger and better ways than we ever imagined. Consider making the shift from “go-getter” to “go-giver” and watch your life change.
Julie Starr, Owner of WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories, was one of the industry’s first online retailers of golf cart parts, when she founded her business in 2008. Julie’s eCommerce store, www.WHEELZLLC.com remains a popular online shopping experience for innovative golf car parts and accessories.
