My business is deemed non-essential during this pandemic which I agree with but that doesn’t mean I’m non-essential.
By definition, essential means something basic, necessary or indispensable. And when our work is deemed non-essential, it can impact more than your profitability especially during this devastating time in our world.
For those of us in the photo organizing industry, we have always recognized that organizing photos can be very therapeutic and cathartic. Our photos and memories and stories truly can ground us and help us remember happy times.
They can also overwhelm us and can be depressing. And goodness knows, we don’t need those feelings to add to all the negative feelings we’re experiencing these days.
One of the best social media posts we’ve seen in recent weeks is this one by Elise Darma:
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t need to use this “extra time” to conquer your list of things you’ve always wanted to do.
It’s a global pandemic, not a productivity challenge.”
Here are our best tips for helping people with their photos and stories during this time:
- Ask how they are doing
- Listen
- Rinse & repeat
It’s likely not time to land that new client. We obviously can’t meet with clients and sit and help them sift and sort through photos.
Right now, the old adage to “work with the willing” rings true. Work with those who have the means and interest and need your help. For those who aren’t able to tackle their photo overwhelm – it’s okay. Sometimes they just need to hear from you and hear that it’s OKAY to not want to do it right now.
We can reach out and stay connected. We can email, make a phone call and screen share.
Help those you can and if you have the mental bandwidth, work on your own photo collection to refine your processes and workflow as practice for the time in our future when you’re able to get back to client work.
We’re here to help other small business owners as much as we can – check out our community of like-minded professionals.
Let’s give ourselves grace and not create any productivity challenges right now!
Connection and community are more important than ever.
If you want to start scanning your print photos, get our 5 Expert Scanning Tips freebie today!
Or, pick up our Scanning eBook! You will learn an efficient workflow, scanning tips, scanning settings, and much more!
Give yourself peace of mind and start creating your family photo legacy today! It’s so worth it!
I love this! Thank you for sharing this great message today.
Kathy – it’s an important message that I think we all need though I like to think of it more of a gentle reminder to be kind to ourselves rather than anyone mandating anything about what is essential and what is non-essential. One day at a time…lots of deep breathing here! 🙂
Thanks – you nailed it. And that quote about it being a pandemic, not a productivity test? Brilliant.
Nancy – so true isn’t it? I’ve heard from so many who feel guilty because they have “extra time”. Things are different for everyone but no one needs to feel guilty about how they spend these days!
I love this…
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but you don’t need to use this “extra time” to conquer your list of things you’ve always wanted to do.
It’s a global pandemic, not a productivity challenge.”
Thanks so much for sharing such an important message today.
Thanks Lisa! In a time like this I think we all need to be reminded of this!