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.