We are living in rare days. The financial turmoil is on the headline news every night. The U.S. government has decided that it is the savior of the markets. Congress fought over “The Bailout”. The market can’t decide which way it wants to go.
The news is very gloomy.
Weathering the Storm
Much if not the majority of the news it outside of our individual control. The “winds of destruction” are swirling around our heads.
We can’t stop the winds from blowing. But we can keep our heads down.
You can do nothing anything about macroeconomic problems. You can’t buy enough plasma televisions to save the economy. You don’t control the price of the stock market. You can’t force banks to begin lending.
If you focus on the global economy, the number of unemployed, or the weather forecast for January, you are distracted from the items that you can do today to improve your bottom line.
Focus on Things You Can Control
Focus your energy and emotions on daily items within your sphere of control to ensure that you survive these times. Wasting time and emotions on things outside of your control is ultimately unprofitable.
Focus on Your Attitude
Stay positive. Do not be preoccupied with all that you don’t have. Thinking about toys/gadgets/money we don’t have leads to grumpiness. No one likes a grumpy person.
Rather than focus on what you are lacking, focus on what you do have. Be thankful for things like family, friends, a job, a home, and food. Remember there are always people less fortunate than us.
Focus on Being Productive
What activities can you do daily that will impact sales? Is it phone calls, emails, or personal visits? Focus on completing these tasks. Focus on meeting people, generating referrals, and results.
When will you do these activities on a daily basis? Plan the activities that are profitable into your calendar. Block time in order to attain the results necessary. Turn off the phone. Don’t check your email. Stay on point and accomplish your goals. (Even as I write this I am being distracted by something.)
How many [blank] do you have to do to generate the income that you want? If you reach 5 people a day will it generate the income you want? Do you need to phone 10 people a day? If you email 200 people a month will it generate the results you need?
Focus on Adding Value
If you constantly seek to add value as an employee, as a salesman, or as a consultant you will be rewarded for the value you add.
Too often we are myopic and only think that the item we sell adds value. However, we can add value by relaying good information, referring a new customer, or by offering insight. All of these can be done at no cost to our clients, yet it endears them to us. Caution: Don’t expect to get something in return immediately.
What value are bringing to your boss/client? You are only worth the value you add!
Get Back to Work!
It is easy to see that in these coming times, work will win the day. Those that work harder and perform at a higher level will be rewarded.
The “Times of Plenty” are over. Now by the sweat of our brow we will have to generate income.
Don’t let the negativity distract you from production, staying positive, and adding value.
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