I’m not saying those are the only choices.
But these are the choices I face. Pretty much.
An event like the spread of Covid-19 has the capacity to beat me into a major depression.
Which is why, when bad things happen, I look for ways to step up and get creative.
Preferably at speed.
How a series of unremarkable events came together at the right time.
I’ve been fascinated by the rise of chatbots for some time.
I’m particularly interested in the role played by short-form writing and sales copy within texting applications, like Facebook Messenger.
In fact, I’m halfway through creating a new course on chatbot copywriting.
Then… I recently reconnected with an old acquaintance who is into the technical side of chatbot marketing.
We had a couple of catch-up calls.
A week ago today, we were chatting on Zoom and had a conversation that ended a little like this…
“So… why don’t we create a chatbot marketing agency together?”
“OK.”
“I’m thinking we could launch a week from today.”
“Sounds good to me.”
My co-founder’s name is James Burchill. And our brand-new chatbot marketing agency is called Chatbot Forge.
For me, this is as much about mental health as it is about a business opportunity.
Sounds nuts, right? To launch a new business, within a week, while at the same time coming to terms with the largest pandemic the world has seen in a century.
But for me, the timing is perfect.
Launching a new business is a deeply creative endeavor.
And when you launch within a week, it’s also massively immersive.
As a result, I haven’t had time to follow the news minute by minute.
I’ve been spared the depressive power of that relentless news cycle.
I’m not ignoring the news. But nor am I allowing it to define and control how I spend my days.
For me, launching a new business is the perfect way to stay positive in the face of waves of bad news.
What are you going to do to stay positive over the weeks and months to come?
We all have our day-to-day responsibilities, whether we are still going out to work or self-isolating at home.
But beyond the tasks that demand our daily attention, what else are you going to do?
It’s tempting to allow world events to dominate your attention.
But that can quickly become an intolerable burden. It can paralyze you.
Which is why I’d encourage you to find something creative to do.
Preferably something that is crazy-demanding. Something that will be totally immersive and take your mind off the news cycle. At least for a few hours a day.
Learn something new. Build something amazing. Launch something quickly.
Create something.
Creativity is the perfect antidote to paralysis.
Thanks Nick, much needed advice.
Best of luck with the new venture and I really look forward to seeing the new course.
Thanks Nick. “when bad things happen, I look for ways to step up and get creative” Great thoughts that deliver a new view of what you can do.
I have a saying that aligns with what you just accomplished with your latest project.
“To gain traction, remove distraction and take action’
Thank you, Nick!
I have to admit to giving in a bit to paralysis and agree that the best solution is to continue working on my website about my favorite topic – horses!
I am blessed to be working my regular job from home now, in the midst of the crisis, but it still leaves me plenty of time to create since I no longer commute four hours a day!
Thanks again for the continuing inspiration.
Stay safe and healthy.
Congratulations on your newest venture! I can’t wait to see where it takes you, I have no doubt you and your business partner will be very successful 😊
I’m still working in an office, so it’s easy to stay away from the constant barrage if new information (and misinformation). Writing part time keeps me busy and engaged! Definitely a welcome distraction right now.
Nice reading your post.
Thanks for the insight.
I am looking forward to the new course!
Sounds like this is going to be exciting, relevant and profitable.
Thanks,
Great stuff, Nick! And thanks so much for reminding us that we can step away from the onslaught of news and do something different. And congratulations on your new venture! I’m sure it will be a success.
For me, I’m contemplating starting a podcast about my favourite subject – the maritime industry (everything from ancient shipwrecks to modern commercial vessels – the people and the ships that connect our world).
Thanks for lifting us up today!
Thanks! And love your idea about the podcast. : )
Congratulations, Nick. You are always several steps ahead of everyone else. The thing you didn’t mention in your post is that building something new is incredibly fun! You continue to inspire the rest of us. Thank you.
Thanks Annie! And yes, creating new stuff is definitely fun! : )
This is perfect and a much needed relief from today’s news.
I do that, too. I come up with something creative to do and think about. I love to write, so that’s what I do. It helps me to deal with sadness and grieving. I also pray and that helps too.
Congratulations on your latest and newest endeavor. I hope there are lots of future prospective clients and businesses out there looking for something new in the form of a chatbot. Best wishes and wishing you much success in the future.