There are 2 important issues in this pandemic for entrepreneurs; cash flow and people management. The first will often get your attention because it is extremely important but the secret to surviving at a time like this "may" be in the latter!
We took the decision to shut down most @STEM_Cafe locations almost 4 weeks ago. We were at 5 locations with the 6th on the way. I was a little confused and I could sense some of my team members were worried. We then came up with the idea of posting project materials to families.
We invested some of our resources into materials before lock down became a thing. A week after, countries started shutting down and it got to #Africa. That approach clearly won't work. Our little cash wasted!
2 weeks in, our educators spent time curating & creating new content. We focused on designing content for families to use at home. Bingo, we will sell online sessions to families & keep our work and team alive regardless. Unfortunately, like most of us, families are apprehensive
We were ready but bookings weren't coming. Then the battle between cash flow and keeping the team engaged and mentally active starts to set in. Now it's not just about the money but my people. They are extremely passionate about what we do and will give their all to @STEM_Cafe
Fast forward to last week Friday, I took the decision to focus on their mental health as against cash flow. We opened up our sessions to families for free. I want to give them the chance to continue to do what they enjoy doing. The testimonies are flooding!!!
The conversation on our Workplace chat group is extremely uplifting. Educators from Kampala engaging kids and parents from Nigeria - Nigeria to Kenya - Kenya to kids in the US. We are winning one side of the war. With the right state of mind, we will figure out the other!
My take away so far is that entrepreneurs must to be "present" at a time like this. Many will invite you to webinars on how to weather the storm. Most will be great nuggets but remember this is an evolving pandemic. We don't know what it will bring in a week's time.
Be attentive, focus on your people and value creation. Watch your own mental health as well and if we don't get to be part of the statistics, we may just come out of it stronger.
