Years ago I was called to the house by my mother. My father was gone and the police were there with EMS and they needed me to come to the house. When I first heard that - I was thinking, Where did Dad go and why were the Police looking for me? My lunch date heard the cell phone conversation and the look on the face... across the table ...told me what I did not know. That reaction told me what I had said out loud.
"Dad's gone!" Oh no!!!!!!!!!
Fast forward to a hectic arrival at the house, Police Fire and EMS apparatus all in the street and driveway. Idling. Not one with a light flashing or rotating. It was a warm sunny and humid day. Among the players on scene Father Dunn our pastor was waiting for me and after we went thru certain topics and discussion, of course. He and I separated from the group. Well he separated me from the group. To talk.
"You know," he said to me. "We are a lot like coffee or tea.." "Uh huh" I muttered. He then added,"We just don't know how strong we are going to be until we get in hot water." Oh I was in hot water alright, first to arrive at the scene and I would be for hours - I was it. I'm the pivot point. I'm on point, Oh shit I'm holding the short straw.
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Now that I have your attention, the collective "We" are in hot water. "We" are going to find out just how strong "We" are.
Unless you have just woken up from a long sleep, you know we are in "full stop mode" as transportation providers. "How long will this last?" is a valid question and we are certain only the strong can survive - right? I say no - you can do it, it's time to maneuver - lets put some thought into it!. We are not alone in this "Economic pause."
Time to say positive and agile. As our collective condition became apparent in the early stages, I spoke to some of our younger staff members and suggested they rig for bad weather, as it were. Standby ready - we have a situation coming - start thinking about how you might improve your position. Start getting comfortable with this idea... Boom! Here we are!
Prioritize, Mitigate and Respond
This is critical urgent scenario management protocol. I have seen these edicts over the years in Aviation, Facilities Management and most recent experience in the Fire Service arena. It applies to each of us during these critical times.
Prioritize
What are the most important items you need to do right now, what do you protect, how do you economize in these critical times?
Shelter, food and safety for you and your family are tops on the list. They come first - if you know me you know that's how I roll. Invest in yourself, so you can focus on other issues.
Continue operating as an independent operator is one direction, hunkering down and ceasing operation is another. You have to stop and consider the options. Which applies to your situation, how can you adjust to improve the outcome?
Mitigate
Many service providers, mortgage companies gas and electric services and credit providers have already indicated you only have to ask to defer or delay payments. That is some relief. Will you stay in the public and operate inside the constraints of this new market reality? How long can you operate your vehicle(s) at minimum revenue? Can you assure proper protection for you and your passengers? Cleaning and client contact has never been so important and critical as now. That is an added expense, how much depends on your typical protocols you maintained before this virus upset.
No matter which direction you take - operate or not, maintaining your physical health and that of those you come into contact with can be accomplished with some materials and constraints.
That has to be accomplished. Face masks gloves sanitizing spray for the car are all tools of the trade today. Don't neglect the exterior door handles and the trunk or rear deck. Tell each passenger what you are doing to stay safe and keep them safe!
Respond
Take immediate steps to "go long!"
Ceasing operations? Insurance suspension or change to reduce cash output is an option. Set the vehicle up for a return to service. Free time will allow for a little DIY maintenance. Wash wax and super detail on your down time. Business will return and it may come roaring back. Even in a slow down you need to keep focus on whats next. The cost is minimal and you are staying busy. Stay busy! Can you put car wash subscriptions on hold? Licensing and re certifications are all on hold or non existent for now. What are other holding pattern ideas?
Your drivers license may be expired or expiring - no worries the state has extended the renewals for 90 days.
Maintaining operations? Dispatch offices have a variety of plans to minimize your expenditures. Make sure you take the available course that works for your situation. Dues and fees have been restructured - employ those savings available to you. Stay in touch with your regulars. Answer your phone! Does your dispatch center have any social media accounts? Follow and share!! We are in a position where any and every passenger interaction is a SALES CALL!!!
Pack your lunch! Fuel is cheap, don't run the tank empty. Less thank a 1/4 tank and the sloshing can stir up any debris in the tank which will head for the filter and require a stop by the mechanic. I recommend mid grade fuel and from a larger provider.
Stay on your maintenance plan - your miles are less now so it should not be so frequent.
Take care of every client like they were gold - they are. We need them, they need you!
Review
After planning and execution you have to review your progress and options. Changing course or adjusting plans is how you stay agile and adaptive. Is it working, are you holding ground?
Retreat and redirection are completely normal and acceptable alternative courses of action. You may not know this but every approach to landing does not end in a landing... there is a published procedure for "Missed approach!" When it is not working out you follow the plan (B?). It's also called a go around. It's expected and employed as a "Best Practice" response!
In ending, Thank you. Really Thank you!
With some thought and careful consideration we can get thru this together. I'm working from home, paycheck deeply cut and that stings. Will the pay disappear this week? I'm not focusing on that - I'm focusing on keeping the business we have and the business we can recover as this pandemic subsides.
It's been a very interesting industry to participate in for the last 20 years. I really appreciate all of the great things we have done together. Nights on the curb at O'Hare or Midway - seeing you and your family around town, meetings to add more towns to our service areas and the food.! (to name a few) You have all exponentially expanded my food pallet! Breaking bread with you has been fantastic!
Please take special care of you and your loved ones! It has been an honor to work alongside each and every one of you! Transporting families, business travel, folks going to work or home and school children is good and honorable work - essential. You do that, a hidden industry so many rely on!
We expect to continue this "on going business concern" and return to full service soon!
Thank you Thank you Thank you for your years of business and fellowship!
A special Thank you! to the drivers staying on line and operating every day!
Now, steady up. We can do this."You got this!"
J
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