A few weeks ago Greg Gorman challenged those of us in the group "Bright Ideas" to share our best business strategies and thinking for 2009. He set up this scenario, "OK, it's the fourth quarter, the team is behind, the markets are down, stocks are tanking, companies are failing, what are you going to do for a Divine '09?"
That's the best of my recollection, but you get the gist. I put this on the back burner for a while and let some ideas simmer and today feel inspired to share what I've been mulling over. I suppose this could apply to any kind of business, and because I'm not a professional business consultant you'll forgive me for talking in generalities and opinions. For those of you that just hate sports metaphors, e-mail Greg!
Get information from the most up-to-date business book available, the bible.
It's true, but how soon we (I) toss it aside and go for the latest, greatest, hottest business trends, ideas and methods. Nothing wrong with that, but I'm resolving to put first things first! There is wisdom in this book that will cover every situation, business and otherwise in life. I'm staking my future in this business on it. I wonder how many times the bible was mentioned at the lastest National Association of Realtors Convention? I'd venture to say not many, outside of discussions among individuals attending.
Be positive!
If you're not you're just whistling Dixie!
Finance - write down business plans and goals.
They say that if a goal is not written down that it's just a dream. There's probably a lot to this. Whatever you want to achieve in a whole year's time is most likely worth writing down. If you put your budget on paper, you have a ready reference to respond to advertising opportunities and so forth and will not be as inclined to waste money and efforts on a whim.
Show great leadership in all areas.
With co-workers, clients, customers, business partners, family and friends. Now, by leadership, I mean the willingness to be committed and to serve. Check out this video that I love and note the caring and compassion and committment of a tough, gruff football coach in a similar 'business climate' to the one we have had in the first half of 2008. He has already shown his love for his 'associates,' they already know he cares, and they have bought into his program 100%. Note and listen carefully, he doesn't have to yell to get his point across, and you could hear a pin drop in the room!
Sales - do the fundamentals.
Prospect, prospect, prospect. Practice, read up on everything that comes around in your business community, town or area. Always be prepared. Like the guy who attended a fight and about half-way expected a hockey game to break out, you never can tell when a sale might happen! Or, at least a chance meeting with a prospect or two. Play defense - Scope out your competition, be thorough in every thing, and never, never, never let anyone out-work you. And play offense - Score every time you get something in play, even if you have to do an end-run!
Research and Development.
Here's where to keep up with the latest and greatest stuff. In a real estate agent's case, social networking, technology, trends, classes, seminars, connections, ideas and FUN! Enter ActiveRain or other networking groups, depending on the business. The fun part of this causes me to spend too much time on it, so one last thing to mention:
Keep everything in balance!
So, that's it from here in broad strokes. I hope you'll share your ideas and add things that I hadn't thought of! And Happy New Year!
Funny...I did not see this post when you posted it (before our conversation). You are soooooo on the right track, Charlie. I LOVE what you said...
There is wisdom in this book that will cover every situation, business and otherwise in life. I'm staking my future in this business on it.
You cannot lose if your game plan includes the way of God. I'm featuring this in Christianity and Real Estate...as soon as AR gets things working again. GBU~
Cut back on low ROI advertising. We all spend too much money on print ads. I feel confident I have spent my last dollar on any print ads. No more post cards and newspaper ads. They are expensive and go in the trash instantly.
Thanks Elizabeth. I appreciate it and your caring.
Steven, I'm with YOU! Funny thing is every time I sent postcards I knew they'd end up in the trash. Better sell your message in about a second and a half on those!
Thank you for the great post! In regards to my business plan, once written down for 2008, I filed it in my documents - There! That task was done! THEN I forgot to review, and make sure I was on track - or if I was out in left field!! Next year's goals will be more visible - A road map doesn't do anyone any good if it's left in the glove box!! Happy New Year to you, too, Charlie Harden!! I'm sure I'll pop in before then, though.
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Charlie good post and points. The right attitude and having faith shows through to customer's everytime in my opinion.