Wow! What a busy summer it's been. Usually the months of June, July and August tend to be slower for me. Most organizations don't want to schedule training during those months due to vacation. The fact that it's different this year speaks to a few things. We can be proactive and make things happen for ourselves. It's for us to be our own catalysts for change. Here are five thoughts to help you.
First, change your reality. I've made a commitment to making sure my marketing efforts are consistent and give value to potential clients. I decided to market as though the summer was any other time of year. Business continues and the need for skill development doesn't stop because the weather is warmer. Is scheduling more challenging? Sure, but why wait to solve sales or service issues that are costing your firm money?
Second, we can't just roll up the sidewalks and go home when things are tough. It's even more important to keep our skill sets current and look for new ways to achieve our goals when times are hard. Analyze the strenghts and weaknesses of your team. Where can you improve?
Third, we can't wait for the economy to recover. We have to be proactive in our own corner of the world. We need to focus on what WE can do. Look at the areas that are within our control. As sales and service professionals we control our behaviors. Have we presented our offer in the best possible light? Are we helping to guide our prospects or customers through the decision making and purchasing process or do we just say "No money.... what's the use?" Fortunes are made even in depressions, folks. Target the right people, the right industries, arm yourselves with the best skills possible and see what a difference that makes.
Fourth, approach everything with a "can-do" spirit. Yes, I know that sounds hackneyed and I'm not a believer that positive thinking solves everything. But I DO believe that positive thinking/attitudes help us make better decisions.
Fifth, make your goals personal. Don't just look to succeed in order to fulfill company objectives. Think about success looks like to you. A promotion, higher commissions, or just an easier day at work? Be specific. If you're in inside sales think about what higher commissions will bring you. A better hotel on vacation? New kitchen cabinets? Monies to be saved for college educations or just a rainy day? If you're in service, you might be thinking about the next step in your career. How can achieving company goals help you achieve that? Perhaps you'd just like to be less tired at the end of the day... Personal goals help you succeed. Just as we're told that buyers are always tuned in to radio station "WII-IM : What's In It For Me" so are we too. We're all just human. Go with it.
I wasn't expecting this summer to be so busy but in retrospect I'm not particularly surprised. I made it happen. You should, too.
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