Hope, but don't stop there...

Regardless of where you live or what your current bank balances look like, the past month has been like riding buck naked in the front car of a giant roller coaster at the state fair! There are so many issues to sift through! The stock market, the upcoming election, the economy and failing businesses, the bail out...what's next?

Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball to tell us where we're headed, but is our only option to hang on for dear life and hope for the best? I sure hope not! On the contrary, hope is not a foolproof strategy, but the strategy of fools.

So if hoping doesn't get you where you want to go, what will?

If you're concerned about the current economic situation and how it may impact your business, maybe it's time to get back to the basics especially with those clients you've been doing business for many years.

First and foremost, do not buy into the myth that your clients don't need your product or service. They do, but in this economy, there's a catch. People will only buy your product when they see it as a solution to their problem. Need satisfaction is the key, but do you know what their real problems are today.

Ask yourself the tough question about your client relationships. Have you grown complacent in delving into what their current needs are today? Oh sure, you've got a great relationship on a personal level. You know their spouse, their kids and have enjoyed dinner with them a few times, but do you know what is really concerning them?

Think about it...your life has changed. Maybe your stocks are down or your 401K looks bleak and you're worried about retirement. What makes your client any different?

Nobody is completely recession proof, but there are a few things you can do to help you get through these difficult times:

#1 Start over with every client. Have a face-to-face "discovery" meeting to find out their problem areas. This is not the time to present your product. You are on a compasionate fact-finding mission.

#2 Get creative in your packaging and pricing. That doesn't mean slash your prices. It means to do all you can to create more value by presenting your product or service that will directly address the client's needs.

#3 Market yourself. Set yourself apart from your competitors. Write Letters...do you remember those? Create a blog. Join a networking group. Make developing new business your top priority.

#4 Go on a news fast. I'm not suggesting you put your head in the sand or be uninformed on important issues, but you'll be better off if you limit the amount of negative news that sucks the life out of you...especially in the morning.

#5 Stop the anxiety and focus on what's going well! The power of gratitude is amazing. Even when times are tough, you regain control with gratitude. Focus and appreciate what is working and what you are grateful for.

#6 Invest in yourself. Read a book specific to your career...Amazon.com is at your fingertips! Attend a seminar or workshop to improve your skills or take us up on our offer for a complimentary coaching session. Yes, that means free with no obligation.

#7 Evaluate your needs vs. expenses. Don't spend money you don't have...on things you don't need...to impress people you don't know. (a quote borrowed from Pastor Gary Brandenburg, Fellowship Bible Church, Dallas)

In the words of Dale Carnegie....."Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying where there seemed no hope at all."

Hope, but keep trying!!

Jean-Ann Cooper

http://www.cooperworldwidecoaching.com/