Yes, the economy was challenging in 2009, and the same in 2010, and still hard, unpredictable, and at times frustrating in 2011!
I say all of that doesn’t matter –don’t worry about the economy, worry about your company! There are some (perhaps not all) companies that did well! If it was your company that didn’t do well, don’t blame it on the economy, or a certain industry segment that went flat, or the fact that 5 of your contacts at your clients changed jobs, or that you lost one of your biggest accounts.
I say NONE of that matters! Too many times we hear stories from friends and industry contacts who say, “Well, the economy is really hurting us.” Sometimes people can get lost and caught up in the economy – don’t let that happen to you and your company. All of us are paid to do a job and need to do it. The easy excuse is to blame a down year on the economy. I would rather blame a down year on things that we did that didn’t work out or strategies that may need a little more time to flourish.
- Keep doing the things that will put your company in a position to be successful!
- Evaluate what isn’t working and either tweak that strategy or get rid of it.
- Ask your clients what other services you could offer that could help them.
- Challenge your internal teams to find ways to be more efficient – you will be pleasantly surprised to see what creative ideas your team will suggest.
I say success in 2012 is all about you and not the economy!
- What do you say?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Fee Sepahi says:
I couldn’t agree with you more. I would also add that keeping an open and expressive dialogue and listening with one’s team, is a great way to plan and insure success.
Christine Cook says:
M,
I agree! Excuses in my book. Yes, there are certainly some things we can control and some we cannot. The said: I have an important saying…
If you are dwelling on the past (used toos) than you are not focused on what’s in front of you!
You have to shift and change, evolve and move forward. One must innovate as things happen in the industry to grow and thrive. It’s these folks that survive.
Fee Sepahi says:
Christine, well said and I would add “should’s and shouldn’t” to your “toos”!
Christine Cook says:
Fee,
You know what they say “Don’t Should On Yourself.”
I can’t claim this one. My father is a retired shrink and this is one he gave me. Wise man!
Often when I see a speaker line up with the “used to” and “former” Blah of Big Company Blah; I think to myself; “Yeah, but what are you doing now?”
Gary Lawson says:
The rear view mirror is only important if someone looks like they are likely to catch up to you. Look ahead and only glance to the sides and behind in case someone is about to overtake your business. It’s drivers ed in life.
Karen Dawson says:
This is the best few weeks I’ve had since I started my travel agency….Lots of people want to travel and finally deciding to go for it! I’m really excited about 2012.