It’s time to figure out the minimum of what’s needed to keep your company alive — and what needs to be left behind

With the Covid-19 virus now a worldwide pandemic, if you’re leading any startup or small business you have to be asking yourself, “What’s Plan B? And what’s in my lifeboat?”

Here are a few thoughts about operating in uncertainty in a pandemic.

The short- and long-term impact

Social distancing and a declared national emergency have had an immediate impact on industries that cluster people — things like conferences, trade shows, airlines, cruise lines, all types of travel, the hospitality industry, sporting events, theaters and movies, restaurants, and education. Large companies are sending employees to work at home. Large retail chains are shutting down their stores.