Boy, time sure flies when you’re “having fun” in the days of Covid-19, doesn’t it?
I kid, of course, because if there’s one thing we’ve all realized during the past 6 weeks or so of social distancing and staying at home it’s - WE MISS OUR OLD LIVES!
But time is definitely flying – May is here, and some provinces across Canada are rolling out VERY slow opening strategies in order to start stimulating the economy – emphasis on some.
Because Covid-19 is very much still here, and doctors, nurses and other healthcare and frontline workers across Canada are still being impacted by this virus.
Which brings me to my most recent guest on “I'm a Millionaire. So Now What?” – Karla Briones.
Inspiration, Motivation, and Resilience
I promised you weeks back that I was going to focus on inspirational, motivational stories of hope and resilience to get us all through these uncertain economic times. Let’s face it – there’s bad news everywhere you look these days, and who needs more??
No. What we all need are shining examples of people who have fought hard for their success, and most importantly, people who have used their success to give back – to their communities and to other people.
Almost everyone’s business has been impacted by this once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. I’ve been writing a lot about how companies MUST be able to look outside the box, and if they see opportunity – to grab it – if they hope to keep their businesses flourishing during Covid.
Not in a ghoulish, harmful way, obviously. But in a way that allows you to shift gears and direct your skills and entrepreneurship in another direction during these difficult times.
And that describes Karla Briones to a T!
Born in Mexico, Karla and her (also entrepreneurial!) family immigrated to Canada when she was a teen.
Today, she juggles being a wife and mom with running multiple businesses online and off, and she also runs a consulting company helping other immigrants succeed in business. Her mission? To build the strongest most thriving and collaborative immigrant entrepreneurship ecosystem in the world. One newcomer at a time.
But what I loved most about her story is that she saw a need during Covid-19, pivoted her business model, and filled it. In the most heart-felt, helpful way possible.
Food Glorious Food!
When her Freshii franchise had to close due to Covid, she turned a $500 donation from a concerned friend into a corporate-wide initiative to help feed those on the front lines. On the app , you order your food, drop a $10 donation – and fresh, healthy meals go out to care homes, hospitals, first responders, even Ronald McDonald House!
Last week I talked about “necessity being the mother of invention.” Here, Karla saw dramatically reduced sales AND people in need. Et VOILA! A new business model emerged. Plus, the publicity and positive PR certainly doesn’t hurt – yes, her sales have increased – but so have the number of people she’s helping every day.
As she said to me during the episode, “I was reading yesterday that that being of service to other people is really good for your mental health. Because it actually gives you a sense of purpose. And, I agree 100% because all of the sudden is it takes away my attention from, you know, like the desperation of surviving and, and the stress and all that and now my attention is focused on ‘Okay, how can how can I raise awareness and funds so I can feed these people that get so happy and that are doing so much and that are exhausted.’ And, and as a way to say thank you on behalf of the community. Like, today it's a great day - I did some rounds today (food delivery) and you know, you get the warm and fuzzies!”
We all need a little bit of the warm and fuzzies these days. At least we have summer to look forward to!
I would also LOVE to share YOUR story. If you’re interested, drop me a line.