Build in the downtime

Zoom’s business has increased 500%.

Actually I don’t know if that’s true, but it sounds right.

So many are not as lucky right now. More likely, if you run a business, you’re having the opposite problem. 

I was in a local thrift shop the other day. New ownership. New store design. I complimented the owner as I was checking out. (I bought a really cool old magazine from the 30’s). 

I told him the store looked great. Better than before. 

He told me they took over the place in January, had to shut down in February, and just reopened a couple of weeks ago.

They used the downtime to move things around and get some new inventory.  Make it look nice. 

I know others who’ve used this time as an opportunity. To pivot their business, go back to school, start new projects. 

From the ashes, cool shit. Better shit. And a chance to build something great.

Don't pick a lane

Variety is the spice of life!

Some brains need focus. Other brains need multi-focus. 

Some brains are really good at and need to do one thing.

Other brains love to juggle and have a lot going on at once. 

One isn’t better than the other but “pick a lane” is a thing our culture likes to say. 

They like to act surprised when people have varied interests. 

I’m surprised when people stick to one thing!

Varied interests make people interesting. 

Arguably, varied interests make people’s output more interesting, too.

I would never tell someone to pick a lane.

Creativity happens at the intersection of lanes. Novelty stems from the crash of cultures, ideas, skills, mindsets, interests. Picking a lane doesn’t get you there.

“I have an octopus brain” I said about myself in an interview one time. I landed the client.

Many arms make many connections!