14 ‘Business as Usual’ Tips, Part 4

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In this series, Dan Beaulieu will share 14 “business as usual” tips for selling without visiting customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. In Part 4, Dan shares some age-old advice about running a business in turbulent times, including the need to dress for work and stay on a schedule, even while working from home.

Tip 7: Don’t Waste This Crisis

Apologies to those who might find this crass, but don’t blame me—blame this great business axiom on Paul Romer, a Stanford economist who once said, “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” Consider this statement because it’s true. History has proven that great innovations come out of great adversity, and right now, our adversity level is high. In times like these things, change happens quickly, and those who can quickly adjust or adapt will do very well. It’s at times like these when fortunes are made. What is your plan? What are you going to do during these ever-changing times?

Tip 8: Keep a Schedule

Being on your own and working at home is no excuse not to have a schedule. Get up at the same time every morning. Dress like you’re going to work (no one can take themselves seriously if they are dressed like Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski.) Set up time spots for yourself—time to check and answer emails, call customers, check in with the office, make cold calls (yes, cold calls), develop leads, use social media, and read and reflect. Here are two tips that will help you. One, before you quit for the night, make a list of what you want to accomplish tomorrow; two, review that list before you start your day, and don’t quit for the day until the list is complete. A schedule is your roadmap to success.

Editor’s Note: Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.

12/23/2020 | I-Connect007 Editorial Team

The I-Connect007 team met with electrical engineer Mike Mosman, who has spent the majority of his career designing some of the country’s largest data centers. Mike recently sold his engineering company CCG Facilities Integration; he is now the vice president of electrical engineering in mission-critical facilities for Morrison Hershfield, and is still designing leading-edge data centers for large Internet companies. In this discussion, Mike explains how evolving battery technology and a strong demand are playing a key role in this area and others.

12/15/2020 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007

This is the first Electronic Circuits World Convention that I have not attended in person since 1978. To refresh your memory, these are held every three years on a rotating basis. The HKPCA hosted this year’s conference and they kept up the fine tradition of collecting outstanding keynotes, nearly 60 technical presentations and myriad poster papers. HKPCA was also kind enough to provide English slides and translations. It is still possible to sign up and view the presentations. I have listened to 20 of the presentations, and hope to attend even more in the coming days as they are all worth watching.

12/09/2020 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007

I confess. I am a control nerd and highly analytical. My second degree is in EE control theory, and I see the world in terms of feedback loops and black boxes. Early in my career, I was volunteered for the technical programs for the California Circuits Association (CCA), which was created by my mentor Clyde Coombs. In discussions with fellow process engineers, it was clear that the chemical process controls that HP could afford and allow me to put in place were not able to be duplicated by much smaller PWB shops.