You have to believe you are a big company and act accordingly!

BY DAVID ANDERSON

Have you given up yet?

Have you thrown in the towel?

Have you realized that the government is not for you or small businesses?

The government is proactively forcing you to downsize your business at scale. If there is one thing I know, it is that I do my own research and I suggest you do the same.

There is no logic to the madness that has taken over the world and our economy. COVID-19 serves as a learning tool for business owners to stand up for their rights. The government cannot mandate you to enforce these new rules on your customers and clients.

The common tactic used by the police is threats through fines and closures. If you own a traditional brick and mortar store, this past sixteen months you were in jeopardy of losing your business. A lot of people were forced to close down due to “new” health protocols, staff shortages and unwillingness to work due to political propaganda.

The media has played a huge role in the growth of business, but I think we all can agree they have played a role in promoting the new way of life. The government has even taken steps to fund commercials, pay influencers, community organizations and companies.

I just have one question; if big corporations such as LCBO and grocery stores don’t adhere to the same rules, why should we? You see you have to believe you are a big company and act accordingly.

There are two, or three key factors that will support you as you decide to stand up for yourself. The first is doing your research on the Ontario Laws and Regulations and having a printed copy with you.

The second is adaptability. You have to be able to adapt to how your customers interact with your business or brand. You have to expand your services and meet your customers where they are. If they aren’t comfortable coming to the store anymore, that’s okay because your business now has delivery options. Due to COVID-19 some people really want to shop and engage with your business but they are in economic trouble due to cut hours at work or unemployment. This tip will support you for the rest of your business career.

Lastly you have to have legal representation available at the touch of a button. You have to be able to call your lawyer for clarifications or if law enforcement is involved. Remember your quarrel is not with the law enforcement, but with the government for mandating this as a norm.

One thing I have learned in life is that a group is stronger than an individual. A team working together will always get further than a player working independently to accomplish a goal. The problem is that the bystander effect applies to everything in life and the older I get the more I understand. The bystander effect states that if a person is getting attacked or robbed in public, only two out of ten people will stop and intervene. This directly correlates to our homelessness problem.

Our society has given up on people who have skills and can help stimulate economic opportunities in our community. Don’t allow this to stop you. Now is a better time than ever to work together as entrepreneurs. Partnerships are a two-way street that benefits both parties.