OK, so we're doing things a little bit different than we anticipated.  Business has taken a turn in a great direction for some and for some a turn in a negative direction.  We have to ask ourselves, "if it's my business who is responsible for the ultimate direction it goes?"  Do we leave it up to circumstances or chance?

What gets me about many who go into business in boom times is that they don't really know if it's the boom time that has their business thriving or smard (smart & hard combined).  The business owners who understand there are ups and downs in business most often stay afloat during tough times because part of their plan is preparing for tough times.

To be fair there are some who have just got going in business for themselves and haven't had the opportunity to plan for the tough times.  What are they to do?  Well the fact of the matter is that tough times are real and they will have to scrimp and scrape to determine if they are suited for being in business for themselves.  I guarantee you one thing though, they will certainly learn a lot and be sure to plan for the boom times and the tough times in their future.

Sudden changes in the national economy don't always hit our areas right away.  They may be signs of things that may be coming our direction but our personal economy is determined by how we serve the clients who want and can afford our services.  When situations arise where we say, "but that wasn't the plan". we make adjustments and make the best of whatever the situation happens to be.  What I understand when situations show up that weren't anticipated is that it is time to either stop, slow down or speed up. 

Stopping

Stopping may not appear to be obvious to us all the time. The reality is when it's time to stop, there really is nowhere else to go. There is nothing that brings profit by continuing.  There are no signs of possibility.  Things have come to a halt. Now I must say this.  All situations are subject to change.  Even when we stop, we need to prepare to re-engage at some point to get back in the swing of things.  But when the game changes and it's time to stop be sure to stop.

Slowing Down

Slowing down is a little bit different.  Things on the horizon look to be troubling but not enough to stop. There are still signs of profit.  There are still signs of possibility.  And although things may be creeping along the game is still on.  If you haven't come to a complete halt and it doesn't look like stopping is necessary just slow down a bit and prepare to re-engage at full speed real soon.

Speeding Up

Speeding up is probably the most fun I have a business owner.  This is when things are looking exceptionally good.  Clients are buying right on the spot.  Referrals are coming out of the wood works.  Business is hitting on all eight cylinders.  Life is just absolutely good. Speeding up is making sure we capture all the potential business that is near us and then some.  Speeding up is about "getting it while the getting is good."  The key here is not to stop working or slow down but to move full speed ahead until it's time to stop or slow down.

Ced Reynolds

Career Recruiter

I am always looking for team players who want to join me as I speed up taking a message of hope to the self employed.