Entrepreneurship in the face of COVID

How three women overcame the obstacles faced during lockdown to continue smashing their business goals

There are plenty of things we can grumble about over the last year – the opportunities, adventures and experiences that were snatched away from us as we sought to protect ourselves and others from the coronavirus. However, it hasn’t been all doom and gloom. For some, the additional free time has enabled them to pursue their passions, and channel their energy into something which they have always dreamed of doing, but never had the time for. 

I spoke to three different women who, despite the national lockdown, were able to continue building their businesses, pivoting their original services to cater to the ‘new normal’. They shared their experiences of running a business during a pandemic, as well as revealing their top tips for anyone out there looking to do the same. We’ll be posting their stories over the next few weeks, starting with Orpa Haque!

Orpa Haque is a Senior Programme Manager at Decoded and co-founder of The Business Gazelle. She started her business with her friend and fellow business owner, Ivana Kostova, after noticing a lack of high quality business events, networks and seminars aimed specifically at women. It provides a women’s learning, training and events network, which aims to connect women across the globe. 

How has your business changed as a result of Covid-19?

Having a business which centres around events, workshops and training sessions, it meant that we had to completely pivot and take everything online. The con is that zoom fatigue is a real thing, but the pros are that now anyone can join from any location. We’ve also found that during this time, events like ours are really appreciated as an opportunity for both learning and social connection.

How have you stayed motivated during lockdown?

Interestingly, I’ve found it a lot easier to stay motivated during lockdown. Fewer distractions and more time meant that I’ve been able to dedicate more to TBG! My top tip would be to create a schedule and a routine (after all, we are creatures of habit), and also give yourself small rewards when you hit certain milestones.

How do you balance running a business with other priorities?

Firstly, I believe that if something is a genuine priority, you will make time for it. So it doesn’t matter how many things you may have going on, if it’s important, you’ll make the time. Secondly, it’s very much about time management. My calendar is fully time blocked so that I know exactly how I’m going to use every hour. That way, I make progress on all the important things and also ensure I’m actively maintaining time for other things such as self care, down time, and exercise – alongside all the work and business priorities.

What are your top three tips for young people keen to start their own business?

1. Remember your “why” and put it up everywhere. Print out and paste your mission statement on your wall. Stick pictures in your planner. Make it your laptop wallpaper. This way, when things get tough, you’ll remember why you started, and it’ll help you to keep going.

2. Get a mentor or a coach! Founder of SheAlmighty Mikaela Jackson has been invaluable for me.

3. Learn as much as you can, and then learn some more. Some things in business will be completely new unchartered territory for you. So read all books, watch YouTube tutorials, learn from other peoples experience, take courses, attend workshops – make sure to dedicate time to learning, and it’ll be invaluable to your business as well as your own development.