As Joe Biden said yesterday:
There’s no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days we need a hand. There are other days when we’re called to lend a hand.
That’s how it has to be, that’s what we do for one another.

Dear subscriber

Wow, its been a tough couple of weeks for a lot of people. (I've been trying to get this newsletter written since Monday!)

In our Subtle Networking meeting this morning, one of the breakout rooms reported that they'd spent time sharing all the different ways we're coping at the moment.

"Some of us read prolifically, some have timeout popcorn and Netflix, some go running in puddles and others are learning new skills or doing jigsaws. The common thread was allowing ourselves the time out to do those things as part of the structure of the day. It's no surprise we're all feeling similar lacking of energy / can't-be-arsed syndrome! Sharing these feelings with each other is pretty powerful, and we're very grateful to have the space to do this with Drive."

Instead of our 'ED (not quite TED) Talk tomorrow, Naomi Wallen of Dance Matters has invited us to have a boogie from 1.00 - 1.30. To get details of how to join the free session just email naomi@dance-matters.co.uk for the Zoom link.
We'll re-schedule Anne-Marie Miller's 'ED Talk soon.

What our members are up to

Monica Guzik is looking for data presentation requests. Monica has started tests on the flourish.studio data visualization platform, and would like to include any data requirements you may have for your business activities. Contact Monica at monica.guzik@gzk-software.com and see her portfolio of interactive designs at Graphs and Maps

Kate Patterson and Louise Moles are offering an opportunity for parents who want to learn the best ways to confidently help and support their children's mental health and wellness. Contact Kate at info@katepatterson.co.uk

Martyn Sibley is running a free event at The Future Business Centre, Cambridge about diversity as a business driver. Book your free place on Eventbrite

Andy Bargery is running a workshop for creative teams/agencies that need to pitch ideas as part of their business development, or client servicing. More details: https://bit.ly/32X8Khy

David Brown is running a free stress management session on Thursday, January 28th at 0830-0900 for Elevate- a well-being at work organisation.

Last week we mentioned that Martyn Sibley barely stopped to breath in 2020 after launching the Purple Goat disability and inclusion marketing agency. This week, Martyn is celebrating landing two huge contracts with a wheelchair manufacturing company and Tesco. We're starting a countdown for £1m turnover in 2021!

What happens in Slack?

Our Slack Group is the main communication channel for Premium Members of Drive where we explore business ideas and practical solutions to problems as well as support, inspiration and the occasional burst of anarchy. In the past few weeks we've talked about:

Coding digital certificates
Mesh wifi extenders
Reorganising a company's systems and processes
Rebranding and relaunching a business
Pensions
Debt recovery
Workshops and training

E mail etiquette
On-line learning platforms
Finding new clients
Currency exchange fees
Hiring staff
Integrating Zoom and Eventbrite
Video files
Contracts

Our regular events on LinkedIn and Zoom are back in full swing - all details here:
EVENTS
We're still focused on helping people build great businesses that support their lifestyle but now, more than ever, we're providing a safe place just to be, to connect and not struggle on your own.

Room 2 Think

Room 2 Think is a free service offered to key workers and Premium Members of Drive who would like 1:1 support to talk about the impact that Covid-19 is having on them.

The service is offered by members of Drive the Network who are qualified to work with people in a therapeutic, coaching and/or advisory capacity. More details here

Exceptional Times - Exceptional Circumstances - Exceptional Help

We've gathered a lot of helpful resources in one place here.
Exceptional Support

If you have any queries or concerns about your business and how you deal with the coronovirus situation, please get in touch. We have many skilled people in our network who are happy to provide support and advice free of charge so please don't feel isolated or alone.

Ann Hawkins
MD and Founder

Drive supports BLM, the Conscious Advertising Network and The New Citizen Project. We challenge bigotry and discrimination wherever we see it. We actively enable collaboration over competition and openly share expertise and knowledge. If you believe these things are important and you'd like to join us, you'll be very welcome.