It is easy to live in fear when a crisis hits, but what if you asked a different question? Mark explores what the COVID-19 crisis made possible for online entrepreneurs and shares foundational advice for using disruption to build rather than retreat.<\/p>\n
When a crisis strikes, the natural response is fear. Mark acknowledges that the economic impact of COVID-19 was real and affected everyone, including online business owners. But he challenges listeners to make a different choice.<\/p>\n
Cliff Ravenscraft<\/a> frames it perfectly: “When something happens, it's important to acknowledge the thing, not to make it bigger than it is, but it's also important to take that next step, which is to ask the question, ‘what does this make possible?'”<\/p>\n Mark Schaefer<\/a>, a highly regarded speaker and author, reinforces this with practical advice that pays off tremendously when the economy recovers:<\/p>\n Mark's perspective for online entrepreneurs is clear: for the people who are trying to see what is possible, how can you help by serving them at an even higher level than before? The entrepreneurs who focus on service during difficult times build trust and loyalty that lasts far beyond the crisis.<\/p>\n The message is not to ignore reality or pretend everything is fine. It is to acknowledge the situation honestly, then channel your energy toward building rather than hiding.<\/p>\n Mark recorded this episode in March 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic. The advice he and his guests shared proved remarkably prescient. Online business experienced explosive growth through 2020-2022. Entrepreneurs who created content, launched products, and invested in their businesses during the early months of the crisis were rewarded with significant audience growth and revenue.<\/p>\n Cliff Ravenscraft<\/a> continues to coach entrepreneurs on mindset and business strategy. His “what does this make possible” framework has become a widely adopted approach to navigating any business disruption, not just pandemic-related ones.<\/p>\n Mark Schaefer<\/a> has continued publishing and speaking on marketing strategy. His advice about using free time to build deeper relationships and create more content was validated by the content marketing boom that followed the pandemic.<\/p>\n If you found this episode helpful, you might also enjoy:<\/p>\n Listen to Late Night Internet Marketing on Apple Podcasts<\/a> or Spotify<\/a>. Have a question for Mark? Call the digital recorder at 214-444-8655 or drop a comment below.<\/p>\n\n
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