COVID-19 has disrupted our personal lives and the start-up of our new company. Hubu (pronounced "oubou"). Directed by my son Gabriel and supported by my daughter ClaudelleWe're setting sail for a long journey. We knew it would be a bumpy ride, but not quite as fast as this.
We have practically lost 100% of our team building and team retreat. The sale of our games has fallen to zero.
COVID-19 gives us food for thought
When you're forced to stop, you can freeze, save yourself or deal with the situation. The trick is not to become too analytical (by trying to understand everything) and, above all, to stay in action by making simple, rapid decisions on a daily basis.
On Monday March 16, we had to temporarily lay off Claudelle (my daughter, who left another job to join us). A decision that brought tears to my eyes, but one that was necessary given the limited liquidity of a start-up company.
We're trying to use the current situation as a real opportunity
And here's how:
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We used all the feedback we received from past customers to completely revamp our website (which was only a few months old). The new bilingual version is now online, thanks to Gabriel's efforts.
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We now have a new partner working with us to create new games. Our goal was to create 10 new games by 2020, and it looks like we'll be able to double that.
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Our games were designed for physical delivery only. We are now developing games that will be sold only in virtual versions at a lower cost, and which could well serve to bind your teams together after this crisis.
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Every day, we look at the situation. We set simple, achievable goals that give us a real sense of progress.
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At the same time, it's an opportunity to make a clean sheet and slow down a little to make sure we're moving in the right direction.
Encouraging signs
Yes, because there are always some! Since we started Hubu, we haven't received a NO. In just a few months, we had taken on several major team-building mandates.
We have a brand that makes noise
On the BehanceSince janvier, 17 2020, our brand has been one of the most sought-after brands on the planet in the world of visuals and graphics. To date, there have been over 50,000 views, 6,209 likes and 225 excessively positive comments on the Hubu brand image. Yes, you read that right, over 225 branding professionals have taken the time to comment on our brand. Special thanks to our designers Sam Scofy and Saul Osuna.
In closing, I'd like to say that we're all living in bad timing! Whatever your field, we need to be agile. Every day brings a different challenge. The most important thing is to keep in touch with your employees, your colleagues, your leaders, by creating spaces to express and listen to each other in a different way this time.
Hubu: Because We Are.
