So many business people have been impacted by the COVID pandemic. It's hard for me to feel too sorry for myself as there are so many more who have it way way worse than I. But pivot I must as 85% of my customers come from America and the remaining from British Columbia, and neither groups will be skirting the shores of Prince Edward Island anytime soon.

To provide some background on my business, PEI Cycling Tours: this is my 5th year in business and it has been the most rewarding endeavour to date in my life, superseding both my stints as a comedian and a politician. There is something about building a business that takes on a special meaning in one's life and I'm sure other entrepreneurs can relate. I not only LOVE LOVE LOVE being my own boss but I equally love the interactions and relationships I develop with my customers. And luckily the business has provided me with a comfortable living.

The hard work and perseverance pays off like no other cliché. I work my tail off all summer, kick back in the winter months and do all the bookings, then back at it in late spring. It's ideal and suits my lifestyle to a tee.

Enter COVID 19, a paintbrush dripping with fear, sickness and glue stroking its way around the world shutting down the economy and leaving death and uncertainly on its canvas.

With regards to my little piece of my little pie here on PEI, I barely register from a statistic perspective, however the impact is felt with as much punch as the big players in terms of bottom line. So then what the hell does a girl like me do?

She pivots. 

AGAIN. 

Thankfully my life choices have gifted me ample opportunity to learn from such events so pivoting isn't scary to me, albeit a shit ton of more work and imagination. Encountered queries include: 

1. Do I need to make as much money as I'm used to this year to live healthily and wisely?

2. How much money can I scrap together to invest in a new venture?

3. What will that new venture be?

4. Can I do it by myself?

The answers:

1. No

2. Enough

3. Something needed and something I like doing

4. Hopefully

Enough to go on and to pursue something and get it together as quick as possible.

I started with the notion that there were no concessions available to mountain bikers at the popular PEI trail locations: Brookvale and Bonshaw (both Provincial parks).

Long story short:

I submitted a proposal to PEI Parks to provide a concessions service and after a few tweaks, the proposal was accepted, an agreement was drawn, insurance purchased, food premise licence obtained, and Bertha's your Aunt. I'm now selling specialty coffees and snacks and it's working.

It's still a work in progress and every week I make minor adjustments to my offering(s) as I receive feedback from my customers, and for now it's something I can build upon.

This 'COVID pivot' is, so far, on track to being sustainable. It is not by any stretch going to come close to matching my typical revenues, but I'm good with that as long as it continues to grow and be something I enjoy.