Winning is not quitting: 5 Things you can do today to be a winner in this recession

These days, most of my phone calls focus on survival and encouragement. When speaking with a customer or potential new client, inevitably we speak about strategies for survival and what each of us sees ahead for small business. While it may be justified, I hear fear and doubt ruling the conversation, and I have made a purposeful, intentional effort to turn my customers to a more positive outlook. I believe, even when all seems lost, a hope still exists to keep going, not quitting or giving up. This hope must be sought after and held onto to get through this season of challenge.

At the core of hope, is a looking forward to the future, a better future filled with prosperity, good health, and freedom. True entrepreneurs understand the power of hope and how it drives them to continue beyond the point most would go or journey. When I comment on not quitting, I'm referring to the entrepreneurial spirit. Even if your current endeavor fails, unable to exist in this climate, reach down deep for new ideas, or strategies that might meet the need of another in this world. The real entrepreneur is not moved by failure, he or she learns from this failure, and adds this knowledge to the next endeavor, improving the odds of success. Hope is the engine driving the attitude found in 'Winning is not quitting', and is always looking forward.

There are 5 activities all entrepreneurs need to consider during these tough economic times that may get them through while others lose hope and energy to continue.

First of all, much of success can be found in the simple principle of just showing up. Showing up seems like an obvious part of the entrepreneur's life, but in an atmosphere of doubt, fear, and slow sales, it becomes easier each day to set aside the work habits that helped you begin your business in the first place. What if you decided, I won't have any sales today, or it is a waste of time to go the office. You are sowing the seeds of your own destruction, but of course you will blame the recession. Showing up each day with a positive outlook and attitude is crucial, focusing on the small details that help provide excellent service and products.

Secondly, purpose in your mind to greet people positively, watching closely your words and body language. The goal would be to maintain an attitude that draws others to yourself, rather than pushing them away. Customers know very quickly, usually without a word being spoken, your demeanor and attitude towards life. Attempt to leave others feeling better about their situation, rather than thinking of yourself only during these difficult times. Customers, clients or sales people that work for you, will all benefit from the positive outlook and energy you maintain each day. You will naturally become a leader because, as it should be obvious, people in general are drawn to fun, energetic, and positive people.

Thirdly, fight the urge to complain about your situation. Complaining will steal your energy and focus faster than anything you do. A person focused on complaining is more than distracted, he is consumed with fear about his situation and looking to place blame on anyone else but himself. The business owner is responsible for the success or failure of the business, and although external factors certainly effect the results, there is no-one to blame. As entrepreneurs, we are to keep our eyes open to the pitfalls, and we must take responsibility when we miss the mark. When we complain, our ability to learn is set aside and our attentions turn to the blame game on an external competitor, government agency, or market trend that is the cause of our demise. A better way to approach this would be to take responsibility, learn from the error or situation, problem solve and move forward.

Fourthly, learn something new. Do not become stagnant or static in your reading habits, and learning skills. Evaluate your skills, considering your weaknesses and how possibly you can learn a new skill that will help your business grow. Maybe learning a new language or improving your accounting skills would make the list. The important principle here is to be a passionate learner all your life. As an entrepreneur, if you are not continuing to educate yourself about the latest market trends locally, regionally or globally, you will quickly be left behind unable to compete. Entrepreneurs at their core are teachable and desire to learn, invent, and create.

And Lastly, Expand your reach and business while others are contracting. I believe a majority of business owners are making the mistakes mentioned above, shrinking their business and sales and the few that are attacking this recession with character and energy are expanding. Recessions are opportunities. While most are worried, living in fear and doubt, paralyzed in the office, lacking the desire to learn and read or simply not showing up, an opportunity exists for the person, who positively approaches his day, not complaining about his situation, greeting customers and colleagues with kindness and smile. I know it seems so simple, but the truth is, most people are unable to overcome the weakness in their own character to face the challenges of day to day business.

Please consider these traits and characteristics of successful business. I want to encourage you to never quite, to never give up or walk away. Each situation is just the next step you need to learn and overcome, making you stronger for the next challenge. The true entrepreneur knows that winning is not quitting. Don't quit.

Mark J Workman www.wutzzup.com wutzzupwiththat.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://www.leadershiparticles.net

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