LOOKING BEYOND …..
5th March 2021. I can hardly believe how time has passed, and this is my first post since the beginning of December 2020.
On the 23rd March 2020, when the government announced a 12-week lockdown in response to a new virus threatening our world, did any of us think we would still be doing this nearly a year later? I marked out the 12 weeks on my calendar, thinking this was going to be hard. Isolated from friends and family, nowhere to go, nothing to do.
The new virus, Coronavirus, was an enemy threatening our lives in a way we could never have imagined but hard as it was, 12 weeks was a small price to pay to be safe, healthy and protect ourselves and our family and friends. We planned, we zoomed, we took our businesses online and looked for ways to try to carry on.
Never underestimate an enemy.
Here we are almost a year later; the loss of life unbearable, the fear and loneliness for some has been intolerable, dreams shattered, and businesses and livelihoods lost. Sometimes, with the continuing lockdowns, it seemed like hope was lost too.
Never forgetting those who lost their lives and thanks to scientists worldwide, we now have a vaccine.
We have hope again.
Looking beyond, have we learned anything? You may be asking why I am posting this, and how does it relate to my business as Barbara Cosgrave Stylist?
This pandemic has forced change upon us, and change is not always easy and not always wanted. It can be hard and traumatic. In a good way, though, it forces us to reassess, prioritize and zone in on how we want to go forward personally and in business.
That is definitely the case for me. I didn’t get COVID, thank God, but I was hospitalized for another fairly traumatic illness! It has been a rollercoaster, but I am on the road to fitness again. Ready to pick up where I left off – or am I?
There is a change in my perceptions. I was overwhelmed by the kindness, support and care I received. From wonderful family, friends, colleagues and from people I barely knew before. Now I want to forward that support on to people who perhaps can benefit from my help.
Many have lost jobs, businesses and livelihoods and are now having to seek employment and new careers in an extremely overcrowded market. Interviews are very competitive, and it is more important than ever to “put your best foot forward”,, as my Dad used to say! Not just in how you look and dress but in knowing what needs to change in the way you present your best self, visually and verbally. What are your values, what the unique qualities that make you special? We need to bring what is “inside” and make it visible on the “outside”. The internal you and the external you need to align as one to make you stand out in a crowd.
Difficult and challenging times teach us about our strengths and weaknesses, our resilience and resourcefulness. When we have that knowledge and are sure of ourselves, it leads to a change in how we dress and present ourselves to others. It can help you achieve your goals and that new job or career you deserve.
During the next two months, I would like to offer 2 people seeking new employment a complimentary practical session to help them succeed through the interview process, especially as most interviews are still on zoom. My Interview Advantage Programme is a step by step guide for preparing for an interview. If somebody you know is struggling to get back to work and needs help with the interview presentation, please nominate them and forward details. I will select the two candidates and will send the contact details and information on the programme. The deadline for nomination is Monday 15th March, 2021.
There is no charge involved; it is my way of repaying all the support and kindness I have received in the last 3 months.
