The Shepherd Guide E-Newsletter [No. 001]

The Shepherd Guide to
(Re)Building Your Business

“Plan your work and work your plan”

– Napolean Hill

As one of our most important customers, we’re here to help you through these challenging times. I understand what it’s like to start and run a company. I know what it’s like to grow, constrict and have to start over again. I certainly know what it’s like to be in the middle of a global pandemic and wonder how we’re going to get through this thing.

At the start of another week dealing with COVID-19, I’ve been inspired to create a series on my thoughts to help small to mid-size businesses and entrepreneurs be more successful. The Shepherd Group has always focused on these markets as the core customers for our business. Why? Because that’s who we are. That’s who I am.

So here are my initial thoughts on the phases of this situation, protecting your business and planning for the future. Because I like to keep things easy and easily rememberable, I call it LAP. Over the coming weeks, I’ll breakdown my thoughts on each phase. Today I’m focusing on L: Limit & Learn.

Limit & Learn

Most of us have passed this stage, but it’s worth recognizing as integral to moving forward. This is the initial impact of our economic shutdown. It’s the triage on our businesses and the need to limit the impact of external forces so we can stabilize. It’s the need for information. What is the health situation? How long is this going to impact my business? What’s the government doing to help businesses like mine survive?

Many of you received a note from us last month detailing key tools and resources for you to access support. If you didn’t, reach out. We’d be happy to get them to you. It’s critical that Canada’s smaller businesses survive and continue to be the backbone of our economy.

As you work through the phases of protecting your business and planning your future, ask yourself and your partners these critical questions:

• Have you fully assessed the economic impact COVID-19 has had on your business?

• Have you put into action the necessary steps to stabilize your business?

• Have you maximized the federal and provincial government subsidies?

If you don’t have the answers, or want to learn more, call me at 416.249.1700 ext. 225. I’m here to help.

Stay tuned next week for my thoughts on phase 2: Assess and Adjust.

– Neil