There comes a point when an individual or a business must pivot. In dance, a half right pivot turn involves stepping forward on the right foot and turning to the left or away from the right foot to the back. Seems super simple, but it creates difficulty in the transfer of weight.
The key is to transfer weight from one foot to the other smoothly. The proper execution lies in the transition, which ironically is the most difficult part of dance to master. Many times, starting strong on a new foot, in a new direction, with a new plan, is the only option.
Various times in my life I needed to pivot, either personally or professionally. Although not always easy or even obvious, it becomes necessary to pivot when all possibilities have been exhausted. This is what I have pondered for the last couple of years with my own business.
It was time for me to make some changes. It does not have anything to do with not loving what I do but realizing that I have other work to do. I now have some limitations. It was holding back progress in my students and allowing complacency to brew in many areas. It is hard to admit, but it was time for me to pivot.
As I look around downtown, I see resolute merchants, shopkeepers, and others working diligently to keep things alive. It is a daunting task as small, rural downtowns are suffering. As my husband and I take our RV out for weekends, I see small towns who have pivoted, taken chances, and completely reinvented themselves.
In September, our editor authored an article about small town tourism. He has been contemplating, like the rest of us, why can’t we be a Thomas or Davis, West Virginia? Certainly, our location is prime. We have the most beautiful countryside and a community that really cares. I have seen generosity for decades when someone is in need. I am not sure what the answer is, but I am sure it does not lie in keeping the status quo.
Since Covid, we have seen an uptick in remote workers. Whether it is good or bad is a moot point. Companies, governments, and organizations have encountered opposition in demanding workers work in-person. What the pandemic revealed in a not-so-subtle way is that workers are now demanding a work-life balance. Period.
What does it matter how or when it is completed? What has opened in our lives is the ability to work from anywhere at any time. Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics did a study showing the increase in remote workers by industry. Many industries jumped to over 40%. In almost all industries, remote workers doubled.
This has created an opportunity for small rural towns close to cities. People can spend their time (and their money), enjoying the outdoors, hiking, shopping, eating, and being entertained on “long weekends”. They can find unique stay options in these rural areas like yurts, glamping tents, barns, renovated school buses, RVs, and one-room schoolhouses.
As soon as Covid hit, I thought this was it! People are going to want to get out of their apartments in the cities and get fresh air. They will want to find rejuvenation in nature and dabble in the rural scene. It seemed to me that Waynesburg had a huge opportunity. My dad used to say, “when opportunity knocks, you better open the door.” I heard the knocking, but I ignored it because it wasn’t loud enough.
Over the last year, it has become very annoying and disruptive in my head. The opportunity to pivot has arrived. I only know one way to attack it, and that is by starting small. I decided to create a small monthly event in our downtown. I talked to merchants and organizations and got their ideas (ALL have been receptive and offered excellent suggestions). We will set up food trucks and give attendees some added benefit each month.
Could we add a free movie, music, or other entertainment? Let’s try this on Friday night since that used to be a huge night for downtowns. And let’s pick the first Friday of each month so it’s easy for people to remember.
All these wonderful events we have in Greene County throughout the year could help drive promotion. And we must promote it regionally, not just locally, through social platforms and cross promotions with other events as much as possible. Like everything, it will take time. Working together is key. Lines of communication between ALL county organizations and businesses must be open and show the region that we are working to revitalize our downtown.
Having a university one block from our main street should give us an even better advantage. It is not time to do another study, to start discussions, or to see what happens. We are at critical levels, and action must happen immediately. Let’s really figure out what our strengths are and focus on those first. Find that low-hanging fruit: those properties, those projects, those changes we can make quickly. I am over the naysayers. NO success ever came about from whining, complaining, making excuses, and being negative.
I do not know all the answers, but I know I need to try something. Fortunately, I have encountered overwhelming support. I knew I would. There was no doubt in my mind because there are outstanding businesses, individuals and organizations feeling the same way as me.
No doubt, many pivots will happen as some ideas will work, and others will fail. Either way, success is never achieved by waiting. When it comes around to the very First Friday on December 5, and you are wondering how you can help your community, stop in downtown Waynesburg for a coffee, gift buying, and a little socializing. Stroll down one side of the street, then pivot and walk up the other side.
Say hello to someone you have not seen in a while and take a moment to visualize what you want your downtown to embody. Really get a mental picture of what it should look like as a vital, thriving community. Do NOT lose that picture in your mind even when people tell you nothing can be done.
Then, let’s get to work because we have so much to do, and time is not on our side. Ideas need to flow, bridges need mended, changes to our way of doing things must happen, and tough conversations must occur. The door has been ajar. We have failed to open it and step through. Let’s bust that door open and see what lies on the other side.
Side Note: Small Business Saturday and the Downtown Holiday Open House are Saturday, November 29, from 3-8 PM. The Christmas parade is Saturday, December 6, following First Friday. All of these are opportunities to help your community.
