DSGVO: You should organise a lot

I cried a few days ago. Because of the GDPR, the new General Data Protection Regulation that comes into force on 25 May. Oops. That's not quite true.

Data protection itself was not the reason for my tears. The protection of my customers' data is important to me. For example, in all the years I've been running a company, I've never given out customer data to third parties. Logical.

GDPR - mountains of work

On the one hand, I found the huge organisational effort to be a crying shame. This includes the fact that we have to all Companies with which we cooperate must conclude separate contracts in which they undertake to comply with data protection.

These include our shipping service providers, but also internet companies such as WordPress, which host our blogs, or our email senders. All in all, around twenty partners.

Of course, you usually can't simply confirm the contracts online, but have to print them out and sign them. The other option is to scan a few dozen pages and then send them by e-mail.

I can think of a million things I'd rather spend my time doing than scanning dozens of contracts. Or paying for someone to do it for me.

My personal acronym for GDPR is therefore: GDPR = You should organise a lot.

That had to come out!

GDPR means asking everyone for permission again

But the worst thing: I've been writing an article for more than a dozen years. Newsletter with inspiration for a good, strong life. Some people have been receiving the inspiration letter for over 10 years.

The GDPR requires that the sender prove that people have consented to the mailing. I can no longer do that retrospectively. So I had to write to everyone and ask for permission again.

GDPR is damaging my business

I understand that. You don't always read all the emails. Sometimes you don't have time. Besides, not all recipients will probably read my „Please confirm that you wish to continue receiving the newsletter“  Read mail.

That's why it was mainly the worry about the possible loss of beloved contacts that made me cry.

I found that brutal. I've spent years building relationships and doing my best to encourage and empower people. Now I'm in danger of losing part of what I've built up simply because of the GDPR.

The threat of losing contacts was even more difficult for me than the time and money (a few thousand euros!) that the organisational aspects of the GDPR cost me. Even though I would have preferred to spend my time and money on something that benefits people.

But above all, I find it hard, really hard, when I've invested time and effort in something and then lose it again. It makes me cry.

GDPR - making the best of it

Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't look for ways to make the best of a daft situation. It's not for nothing that I often say:

If the doors are closed, you can climb through the window. - Kerstin Hack

Firstly, I invite you - even more directly than before - to the inspiration letter. Inspiration and really good, practical tips and resources every fortnight to help you master your life. I invite you to join me from the bottom of my heart.

You will receive the inspiration letter HERE.

GDPR support for friends: Newsletters I like

As many self-employed people are like me, I thought I'd take the opportunity to recommend a few newsletters that I really like. Maybe I'll give a few nice colleagues a few new contacts that they have lost due to the GDPR.

Coaching, business and prayer

• Christoph Schalk: Empowerment Zone. A substantial newsletter for people who want to develop themselves and others. Packed with input and downloads for self-reflection
• Create a business and a life you love is the motto of Italian-American Marie Forleo. She has an online business school and a YouTube channel with a weekly 10-20 minute episode on how to improve your life or career. The Newsletter from Marie Forleo informs you above all about the latest programme. As a self-employed person, I often find them very inspiring.
• 24-7 Prayer: The international movement impressively combines prayer and spirituality with community life and social action. The English newsletter I always find them very moving.

Environment and social issues

• When I water my „garden“, I often listen to the Pioneering Today Podcast by Melissa K. Norris. She gives tips on how to Self-catering becomes. Garden is still a bit of an exaggeration in my case. It's more of an overgrown piece of industrial land that I cultivate.
• Who Less plastic and packaging get inspiration in my impulse booklet Environmentally friendlyand in the newsletter of Original Unpacked.
• Innovative ideas and strong social projects are available on the crowdfunding platforms Startnext and Betterplace. There are so many great ideas here that I would love to support them all. Wherever I can, I do.

So, take a deep breath. GDPR is done. Now we can get back to the enjoyable things in life. How nice!