Pandemic Sales

Ok so we are not even into the spring of 2020, and the world has flipped 180 degrees. New buzz words:
"Social Distancing" used to be respecting personal space, but know breaking that is taboo.
"Self Isolation" stay home, binge watch TV and apparently back bread, Sour dough if you are a rock star
"wash your Hands" this shouldn't be new, but we act like we never did this before..why not?

These were the star the other terms came and went real fast.
"Elbow bump", this was in place of a hand shake but this was a week one, then it hit the Taboo
"Shelter-in-place", this was the predecessor to the Self Isolation, I kind of liked it better felt homey, lest depressing.

I work in the Auto sales industry, usually cut throat, every man for them selves, circling the showroom like Sharks with blood in the water. Then we all get the layoff, showrooms closed. Dealerships are deemed essential, but everything has bee allocated to online. Test drives are a punishable offence and the governing body is looking for those who break this rule.

I am lucky to have been a early call back, but the change is crazy, as everything is done remotely we have become a sales team, working to get each deal over the curb as a group, a small group but still.  We are sanitizing cars, manning the switchboard, sending out videos, Zoom conferencing with the customers, taking them on virtual test drives via the phone. whatever it takes. I have noticed that I no longer come home from work stressed, or feeling anxious. Customers are happy, and feel that we are doing the best to keep them safe.

Obviously things are very slow, as most people are laid off, working from home, and being very careful with thier money. (the saving up for Toilet paper has come to an end)  and there is not that adrenaline rush of trying to nail, 3 or 4 deals down in a shift.

The part I do miss is the face to face time which is not existence, and well it should be. I am a firm believer in doing what we can to flatten the curve, but I am also a realist and understand that our economy can't withstand this drain and lack of productivity as a nation for long. I don't know the answer, and am glad I am not responsible for having to come up with a solution.

Sadly the government is in a lose lose situation. People are going to suffer, either health wise and or financially.  As a nation we need to be patient, understanding and forgiving. Take a second before you react, don't jump to conclusions, don't be judgmental. Smile tell a joke, try to pay it forward when and if you can. Say thank you to the grocery clerk, bus driver, police officer, and Hospital staff. Slow down appreciate what you have, enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

I hope most things get back to normal, but I hope our appreciation for others stays with us.

the new Normal

Well, I guess my great idea of creating a blog, embracing the Road, visiting the small towns on the back roads of Ontario, went to hell in a hand basket.  I am no Covidiot, I cut my travel out, self isolated, social distanced and accept the new normal. (That should be all the 2020 buzz words).

Like most of the world, I was laid off, even though my industry is considered essential,(people do need cars) the amount of business is just not there to support a Sales team. I am very lucky to have been called back after a month of layoff.

My first day off layoff I realized the road trips, were off the table. Can you imagine just pulling into a small town, you would be viewed, appropriately , like a zombie apocalypse just started to invade. So I planned my hike the Hamilton Conservation system of trails, do them all, I was Stoked.

Day two all trails, conservation were closed. Mostly due to the thousands who went to thew local waterfalls ignoring all rules of the day.  So I will take my hiking to the water fronts and maybe invade the gold course perimeters with the dogs.

Day three, golf courses and most parks are closed. WTF. So I joined the ranks of home bakers, making endless loafs of bread, baguettes, sour dough, rolls buns.

Day 4 cant find flour, or yeast for sale. Toilet paper sold out, really who needs 400 rolls of TP. (side note there was a guy in England, hoarded over 400 rolls, thought he would get rich, but crisis seems over, through stores rationing, now he wants to return 400 rolls, store said no) Binge watch, I guess.

Day 5 okay so I am done Ozark, done Tiger King. It is cloudy and rainy, dogs are hiding from me, my wife (who is still going to work each day) is hiding from me. I decide that soft pants to be my fashion, and shaving who shaves during a pandemic.

Day 6 its a weekend, and I am losing my mind, We decide to go on the search for the elusive TP, 5 stops found 8 rolls. We should be good.

Week 2, a couple nice days I decide to meet my sister in the parking lot of a local Cafe, support the small business. We kept distance but it was a taste of a social life.  Zoom entered my life, things are going to be all right. Slo-pitch league on hold Soccer League on hold, but a least I can Zoom together with my Poker friends and play our monthly game on a online Poker site. Lots of fun.

As the weeks go by there are Many funny news tidbits, especially from our Southern Neighbours. first Kellyanne  wonders why were so unprepared as it is not like this is Covid 1? And Trumps commentary of disinfecting our insides. Setting up SNL for a least the next couple of years worth of material.

I truly miss, Baseball, March Madness, hockey and Basketball playoffs. I have resorted to Major League fishing, and Corn hole Championships (they are repeats but I don't know the results)

I make fun of my situation but the reality for me is I realize how lucky I truly am. For the friends and family, the support system I have. For me this isolation period has shown me that we can get by with a lot less, but also makes me hurt for those who have to struggle with isolation, lack of necessities, and lack of support on a regular basis. So we should all consider giving some time, or money to help local charities and food banks.

I was going to write this post about how the Car Sales business has changed but that will be for a later time . Stay Save, pay it forward, and enjoy what you have.