I spent the final 123 days of this election season rewatching the hilarious TV showVeep. I love that show! The writing is so fresh, the acting superb. And laughing at truly awful people who make terrible mistakes is a comforting catharsis.

I’ve been thinking a lot about President Selena Meyer who, when caught up in a crisis, reacts by asking: How can we make this work for us?

Of course she means it in an opportunistic, selfish way. And by “us” she means herself and the sycophants that orbit around her. But I can relate to her question. In an attempt to stave off feelings of doom when experiencing a reversal or calamity, I try to remember that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. 

We may be entering a new era of compounding crises. Certainly something in the world has shifted, But here’s where the Meyer question comes in. You have the expertise. You can help navigate the twisty road of our current problem. Great! But how do you get the word out? How do you position yourself as that highly sought-after “go-to person?” 

Well, you may have to take a trip back in the time machine. Because the best way to calmly meet today’s upheaval is to be thoroughly prepared. You can’t do that at a moment’s notice. But if you have worked ahead, not just on present-day concerns, you’ll be ready when opportunity knocks.

Likewise, the time to define/refine how you appear to those seeking your help isn’t when they come to you in a crisis. Prepare before by developing your brand and finding your voice. Practice this so it becomes second nature. So you won’t have to think about it when you’re under pressure to perform.  

And put your process in place. A working relationship with coaches and creative partners you can count on is invaluable. The clients with whom I have an established relationship are also ones with whom I have a regular routine. So we are able to jump on every opportunity when it comes up and make it work for them.

Let me know how you take life’s lemons and make lemonade. We’re going to need everyone’s recipes to get through the next couple of years!