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How do you react to the economic news? When we hear bad news, our feelings often race ahead of our thinking. Take a minute and ask yourself: What is really at risk for me? If something is at risk, is it truly at risk right now, or am I worried about a future possibility that might or might not happen?
Be clear on your personal economy. The news is full of whats happening to other people - your situation may be totally different. Do you have anything at risk in todays market? If youre satisfied with where your money is invested right now and where your mortgage is right now, then direct your energy elsewhere. If youre not satisfied, be proactive and start getting information to help you make a change.
Continue to invest in yourself. How you weather the next year depends much more on what you do than on what the economy does.
What happens in your business depends mostly on the choices you make. Ask yourself how you can improve your business now. And take action on the answers that come to you. Its that simple.
Be clear about your financial goals for your business AND the strategies youll use to accomplish them. Hope is not a plan.
Uncertainty activates a desire for security and comfort. Nationally, we saw an increased emphasis on family, relationships, and connection with others - even with complete strangers - after 9/11. And were starting to see it again now.
Re-examine how you describe the products and opportunities that you offer. Consider whether you can tweak those descriptions to address how they meet our increasing need for security, comfort, and connection.
How has your company fared in the past during economic uncertainty? Spend some time getting clear on facts vs. fears. If you havent been in direct sales during economic downturns, find someone who has and ask them what is was like. What happened with your company during that time? How did successful consultants respond? Did they change their strategies for finding hostesses or making sales?
Dont participate in the recession. You get to choose what you think and how you act. Instead of worrying, focus on what you are doing and accomplishing. Instead of focusing on your concerns about the future, focus on what your customers want and need now. Instead of sharing bad news, share good news.
Improve your news diet. Just like its not good for your physical health to eat junk food, its not good for your mental health to listen to lots of negative news. How about spending more time listening to your favorite music on the radio or reading books with a spiritual or self-development message? Thats information that can help you.
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Keep your energy and attention focused on what you can control. Keep a laser-beam focus on your customers needs and your teams needs as they evolve, and youll be in a strong position no matter what happens with the economy.
