Where were you this time around last year? Belarus? Uruguay? Burundi or Tanzania of the African continent? Up in the Arctic Circle of Sweden or Iceland? Any chance were you in the subtropics of Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, or Nicaragua? Yes and no, human beings were in a parallel universe by April 2020: more than 3.9 billion people in more than 90 countries were entered into lockdowns, whereas residents of the above countries went on their lives as usual, almost.
One thing is common in both camps, though. That humankind has gone through an unprecedented crisis. Its impact might be immediate for some, slower for others, but none can escape the tremor of this health catastrophe. Early on Policymakers misjudged the severity of infections and overloaded their healthcare systems. Manufacturers were crushed by short circuits in their supply chains. Retailers went bankrupt or are in debt due to aversion to e-business transformation. Airline operators got punched as passenger traffic substantially shrinks. Schools were in a rush to convert their teaching materials to online lessons. The majority of us, unfortunately, were muddled as well. Our daily lives were turned upside down. Office workers became homeworkers at a short notice. Grocery shopping or almost anything had to be ordered online because shops were closed. No more fitness classes; exercises were done in our makeshift home gyms. Movie nights were gone, Netflix was the norm.
Perhaps the burned hand teaches best. Hard times are also opportunities if people learn from them. Knowing little about COVID-19 made people and organisations hesitate and reluctant of making any decision last year. Wait and see therefore became a popular tactic. Twelve months passed, what made a difference? Turns out those who have responded and adjusted themselves timely and well emerge as the winners. Governments, companies as well as individuals, the party who recognises the value, embrace the concept and practise ardently the idea of contingency plans suffer the least repercussions from the coronavirus. A well-thought-out emergency agenda empowers people and enterprises to deal with the unexpected. In the wake of a catastrophe, the capacity to act swiftly and to be flexible to overcome hardship determine if a corporation can reshape its business models or a person can adapt to new life challenges.
What really matters in your life since 2020? Various online surveys reached a similar conclusion: family. Many discover spouse, partner and children are critical to their well beings. Is your family what you treasure the most now? With the surge of coronavirus variants all over the world, it is obvious that the road to normalcy is far-fetched despite the vaccine inoculations. Have you had a plan ready to combat times of adversity? A plan that withstands the new normal and protect the foundation you have built for your loved ones or your business?
A member of the EU state, Greece has been the country where multinationals opt for diverting their business risks. Its tourism, renewable energy services (solar, for example), life sciences, information & communication technology sectors all have experienced burgeoning growth from foreign capital over the last couple of years. With the recent rally of credit rating, Greece’s economic outlook means both branching out and merge and acquisition are foolproof business plans that are pivotal and central to any firm’s long-term sustainability. On a personal level, where on the planet will you feel comfortable to live with the virus for your lifetime? Under what setting would a lockdown agreeable? More and more families and individuals acquire a Greek residency after reassessing their priorities and realigning their health and wellness expectations. What is your idea of an emergency strategy? Does an accessible healthcare system, the Mediterranean urban vibe and rural charm, the pristine Greek water as well as the cerulean blue sky ring a bell?
Where you were in 2020 might not be upon your choice, but where you will be after 2021 is within your grasp. All of us benefit from proactively taking care of our financial, mental and physical health. During unprecedented times, together we shall overcome the trials of tomorrow. Email us your concerns and questions to info@goldenvisa-greece.com, our expert team will be glad to tailor make a holistic option for your business or family. Learn from the virus: mutate and make ourselves stronger.