Recession? What Recession?

The other day I attended a business networking function with about 80 other business owners and was struck by how negative the majority of these business people were about the current economic situation. This is a group that is generally very positive, but that day the weight of their concerns started coming out.

Part of the agenda for the meeting was to discuss what we were challenged with in our business right now and brainstorm ideas about what to do about it. We did this in small groups and then shared our thoughts with the larger group. The range of issues was huge. Everything from government regulation and control to the cost of energy and the increasing cost of goods sold through increases being passed to them by suppliers. There were also concerns about the lack of a qualified workforce and the inability to attract and retain good employees. It would be fair to say that most of the people in the room are worried right now.

The power of what I heard that day has stuck with me and prompts me to write this post today. The title of this post -- Recession? What Recession? -- is all about asking you to think about what your current beliefs are. The reality is that we are having some difficulty in our economy right now. I don't think anyone would argue with that. I have felt it in my business and I am sure you are feeling it in yours.

The question is -- what do you believe and what are you doing to find a new solution? You must eliminate from your vocabulary the negative words that bring you down and create barriers to your success. Words like; recession, depression, terrible, out of control, etc. These words will drain your energy and cause you to focus on the negative things around you. Your mind will focus on whatever you spend time thinking about. Think about all the negative things going on in your business or the economy and you will find more of them. This makes it difficult to lift yourself above it and find answers.

However, if you focus on the positive things going on in your business and create positive beliefs, you will be much more likely to uncover ways to deal with your issues. It is about re-solutioning the problem. The old solutions may not work right now. It is up to you to look for new solutions, temporary adjustments, and creative ideas to organize your business most effectively and to promote it. Your attitude will be the biggest driver about how you handle the current realities and how well you position your business for when the current reality changes.

Your job is to be fearless, courageous, undaunted and an eternal optimist. To look for new opportunities where others see nothing but trouble. To create lemonade from the lemons others are serving up. Market like you have never marketed before. Look for creative solutions to those things outside of your control. Train your team and educate yourself in the newest and best ways to market, sell, organize and systematize your business. You will be amazed at how much your business can grow and prosper during times like this with the right focus. When the economy improves you will be very well positioned to take your business to the next level very quickly.

Don't allow others to dictate your reality and your beliefs. We all have a wonderful God given gift ... the gift of choice. You can choose to let the current situation control you or you can choose to create your own results and outcomes. The choice is yours ... what will you choose?

If you would like to learn more about how to take control of your beliefs and create the business and life you want, then pick up a copy of my new book, Achieving Unlimited Success. And give Ralph or me a call if you would like to talk about how an ActionCOACH business coach will lead you through these current challenges. Also, register here to receive my monthly Achieving Unlimited Success monthly email newsletter and a FREE copy of the report "5-Step Success Formula."

To Your Success ...

A Powerful Success Secret

Recently this story came across my desk. I'm not sure where it originated but it tells a great story so it seemed appropriate to share it with you. Take some time to reflect on it's message as it can have a powerful impact on what is so often overlooked ...

During a meeting of top salespeople from around the country, "the grand old man" himself, a man who consistently had the highest sales figures for the last 20 years, and who earned more money than even the owner of his company, got up to speak.

“I'm now going to reveal the secret of my success,” he said. “I wrote it on a piece of paper and put it in this envelope. But success must be earned. So I’m going to sell the envelope to the highest bidder. You have my word that it contains what I said -- the true secret of my success, not only as a salesman, but in life, as well.”

The bidding started slowly ... $5, then $10, then $50, $100, $130, $150, $200, and on it went. Finally, one of his colleagues bought the envelope for $1000. The happy buyer took the envelope, keeping it to himself until he got home that night. Only then did he open it to learn the prized secret of success.

And what do you think was written on that piece of paper?

Think about it. Make a mental note of whatever comes to mind before reading the answer. In fact, what was written on that piece of paper was worth much, much more than $1000.

The winner of the auction tore open the envelope, unfolded the piece of paper and read the following hand-written words:






The secret to success is...to ask.

So many times we look for the complicated answer to our success. Our ActionCOACH coaching programs help business owners look at things from a practical straight-forward viewpoint. Achieving success doesn't have to require complicated formulas and super human effort. Most of the time it is the simple steps that lead to the best results.

And that's worth thinking about ...