As I was preparing dinner tonight, I overheard my five-year-old exclaim, “Be the Buffalo!” while he played a game on his tablet. I chuckled as I fondly recalled the memories this phrase conjured up, and the fact that my boys are so accustomed to hearing this phrase in our daily lives.
Many years ago when we were newlyweds, I told my husband that I wanted a new picture to place in my office- a picture of a strong animal that, when people entered my office, they would immediately equate to my personal business traits. Much to my surprise, my new husband asked, “How about a Buffalo?”.
I was quite taken aback by the fact that he so quickly likened me to a big, hairy, smelly animal when I would have thought he would have mentioned something more sleek, agile, and beautiful to reflect his perception of his new wife. For years, I have reminded him of this incident, and to this day, we continue to laugh about it , as evidenced by my son’s random exclamation this evening.
Now in 2020, as we Shelter-in-Place and homeschool our boys, this phrase conjures up new thoughts and feelings. Did you know that the Buffalo is unique in that it waits and watches for just the right moment to charge into the storm rather than running away from it? That’s because the Buffalo is actually stronger, smarter and more resilient than the rest of the animal kingdom. The Buffalo recognizes that charging into the storm keeps you moving FORWARD and THROUGH the storm!
What a great reminder for us all right now! Whether we are charging into the storm of homeschool activities, charging into the storm of social distancing, or charging into the storm of an immediate loss of revenue or clientele, and remote work schedules, we are indisputably facing a storm of unprecedented challenges and change.
The Buffalo teaches us to stand strong and courageous; to face challenges head-on when our instincts tells us to run. Across the nation, small businesses are being buffeted by the storm caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
As business owners, it is incumbent upon us to demonstrate courage as we protect our employees, clients, suppliers and colleagues.
As business leaders, we must learn from the current storm and integrate what we learn into the foundation of our future business activities. The resilience of small businesses is already apparent as they begin to navigate the storms and allow new thoughts and creativity to take control. Consider a few examples:
- Quick curbside pickup that utilizes technology to help track arriving shoppers;
- Local restaurants partnering with grocery stores to provide prepared meals for shoppers; and
- Innovative techniques to keep “essential” employees safe and healthy while providing customer service..
It is evident that small businesses will continue to be the backbone and the innovative responders when future crises threaten. As you plan for your business’s future:
Be the Buffalo! Find the courage and wisdom to lead your business through the storm, learn from the storm, and exit the storm with innovative ideas to implement in your business AFTER the storm because This Too, Shall Pass!
By: Kelly Ann Shy, MHSM. Vice President Business Development