Main Idea
Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? Is your business doing well right now? What is the status of your customers? Are they doing well? Is it all doom and gloom? Or, are you just planning on riding the storm out (to use a song from the 70’s)?
Expansion of Idea
I had to think twice about whether or not to send this idea out today. But the more I thought about it, the more important it is. Today is 9/11 and for most of us it is a very sobering day as we remember where we were when we heard that the planes hit the twin towers. We are facing a global financial crisis. We are in the middle of a war that is going to last a while. Unemployment is looming for our nation. Most of my clients have seen competitors that either have closed or will close. And we are going to get some changes in Washington that may not be good (both candidates have some problems with their tax proposals).
Enough with the bad!!!
We are living in the United States which is based on a fundamental premise of opportunity. Just because there are a few negative economic indicators, doesn’t mean that we can’t have a positive attitude. We will get through this period and when we do, there is no reason that your organization can’t thrive. With all of the bad things out there, I see tremendous opportunities for small businesses that are proactive. Customer service is at an all time low because businesses are cutting back. You can pick up current sales and market share by focusing on the positives and helping people. People may not be buying stuff right now, but that does not mean you can’t acquire them as customers.
Suggested Areas to Start
Say thank you to a policeman, a firefighter or soldier.
Pray for the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Talk(Listen) to a customer that you don’t normally interact with.
Ask your team if there have been any positive surprises this month.
Follow up on all positive surprises.