When the allies landed at Normandy, it was the beginning of the end of World War II. It was a turning point, but not the end! We still were going to face thousands of deaths in the battlefield. We still had to be on rations. We still had to take precautions. The country was mobilized more than ever to go into high gear to support our troops on the ground in Europe and keep the pressure on. That’s how we won. Not by letting our guard down.
The Enemy at the Gates
With the new COVID-19 vaccines finally being approved, the temptation is to let down your guard, think that’s the fight is over, and go back to normal. In fact, just like the war in Europe, this is when the fighting intensifies. This is when we can lose more lives! Why? It’s simple. There are more people testing positive than ever. There are more droplets containing the virus in the air. And we are spending more time inside, potentially inhaling those droplets.
Hospitals are filling up, percentages of positive testing are on the increase, and deaths are at an all-time high. All this when people are fed up with staying in and socially distancing. The idea that we can let our guard down now would be like abandoning the troops right after Normandy! Yes, we have a beach head, yes, the end is in sight, but the enemy has never been stronger or more dangerous! And there has never been more of the virus out there just waiting for you to make a mistake.
Close to Home
We have friends who got the virus and got over it. Some of them say, “Oh, it’s just like a common flu.” And other survivors even add, “The virus is greatly exaggerated.” We also have a neighbor who died, and an extended family member who had to get help breathing in the ICU over several days. Also, sadly, a close family member recently passed away, all from the same virus, Covid-19.
Maybe you will be lucky enough to get a small dose of this virus and experience symptoms like a mild flu. But maybe you will get a stronger dose and be hospitalized (if they have room!). And maybe you’ll get the virus but not have any symptoms, and unknowingly carry it to a friend or loved one who is already compromised. Maybe you won’t get it at all.
Don’t play Russian Roulette with this virus. Sacrificing just a little longer may make the difference in someone’s life. We must stay safe long enough to see our friends and family to get the vaccines. There’s more of this virus out there, it’s more concentrated, and those infected are more likely to get big dose.
We have been sequestered at our place since early March. It’s been tough! We had to give up our live speaking engagements, which we love because we get to meet so many interesting people in person. Sure, we are using ZOOM, but it’s just not the same! We had to cancel visits from international students and personal visits from clients. We miss our families and friends. But it’s a sacrifice that’s becoming even more important as the virus gets even more prevalent!
Our Holiday Wish
We know It’s been crazy out there. Some of our top officials have ignored the dangers, social media is full of misinformation, and our own cabin fever is wearing on us. All this makes us irritable! But now is not the time to let our guards down when we are so close to victory. And we all want to share that victory celebration with our friends, colleagues, and family. We can do this!
We wish you all a very Happy and safe Holiday season and a very optimistic New Year!
Who We Are
Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.
Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.
They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.
Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.
To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.
