During the Eras Tour, every time there was rain, Taylor Swift, one of the greatest entrepreneurs in history, called it a lucky concert. My daughter and I attended the last show in Miami. And it rained.

For so many reasons, I was not a fan of rain. But that night Taylor Swift said, “So we are obviously having a very, very special, unique kind of concert tonight, and that is the kind of concert where it just rains the entire time. That’s what we affectionately refer to as a rain show.”

She went on to inform us that, “This night, tonight, was the very last opportunity we possibly could have on the Eras Tour to have a rain show because every stadium from here on out is indoors.”

And my daughter and I were there. One of the top 10 memories and experiences of my life. An experience when my perspective changed. Thank you, Taylor.

Take This Opportunity

Throughout the last few weeks in Dallas, it has rained.

Sometimes those rains were torrential downpours. Some questioned whether in person meetings should be had. If event dates should be changed. And so on.

At Front Porch Marketing, we are fortunate to work with clients and entrepreneurs who recognize the blessings of rain and what opportunities it signifies. Lucky rain means new beginnings. New opportunities. Fresh starts.

Here are some examples:

1. The stock market. Our clients in the financial industry are stead fast in their actions and spending more on marketing due to the opportunities and shifts in the market. As well as capitalizing on the acquisition of smaller firms by larger ones.
2. Commercial real estate. While this industry continues to be a challenge, we have two clients that are rockin’ new opportunities. One is using the time to further define their brand and opportunities. Another is finding inspiration in some of their down time to create a new business concept and opportunity.
3. A business-to-business company has identified a unique opportunity to enhance their core offerings. And it is ecommerce driven, as well as outside of their core expertise — offering branded merchandise.
4. A nonprofit that wants to further establish itself, and grow beyond its founder. The organization engaged us to refine its mission and define its brand architecture and then rename the organization and develop its identity. From there, we will build a marketing plan to communicate its core offerings to its best target.

Making the Most of the Rain

What are you, as a business owner, entrepreneur or business leader, going to make of a rain show?

Rain or shine, our tenured, passionate and steadfast team, is “enchanted to meet” and work with brilliant business owners who are weathering the storm.

Like most people in the Dallas area, I have spent the past few days reeling from the destructive, unexpected storm that hit us over the weekend. The loud, powerful downburst morphed a sunny, beautiful sky into a threatening, frightening tempest that wreaked havoc on our landscapes and our lives.

It seems a particularly pertinent analogy for life’s tenuous nature. Occasionally, we are hit by an unexpected storm that knocks us down, be it personal, professional, or physical. Whatever the cause, the resulting derailment can cause us to feel simultaneously overwhelmed and paralyzed.

So what can we do to stay afloat?

Gut Check: What’s Important

When you’re moving through life unencumbered, it’s easy to try to be all things to all people and spread yourself too thin. When things get real, you no longer have the luxury or the responsibility. Check in with yourself and identify what your priorities are. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … let everything else fall away.

Live Where You Are

Are you sad? Be sad. Angry? Relieved? Frustrated? Whatever it is you are feeling, let yourself feel it. When we try to fight against our feelings, it often leads to a longer, more drawn out suffering/healing cycle. You have to live where you are. You just do.

Just Start

Get going. You have things to do and a life to be lived. If it feels like you’re spinning, take 15 minutes and Brain Dump. Write down everything that comes to mind. No structure. No numbered lists or categories. Just write everything that comes to mind in a free flow fashion – you can make sense of it later.

Control What You Can Control

There is no greater thief than worry, so stop worrying about things you can’t change. Focus on controlling the little things in front of you. Make the  right decision before you, then make the next one. Then the one after that. Set yourself up for small successes – celebrations lighten the journey.

Have Grace

Life can be a beast so be kind to yourself and to others. It’s an instant mood-changer. Smile. Breathe. Look for the positive and the good. Gratitude improves every situation – there is always something to be thankful for.

Strength is the Silver Lining

Whatever has challenged you, knocked you down, or thrown you under will be the seed for tremendous growth. It may be hard to see, but one of life’s greatest gifts is the fact that life is difficult, because in dealing with life’s unexpected storm, we build invaluable strength.

Let it be your superpower.