30th Sep 2008
Eliminating global meltdown worry
Watching the news and reading the media is enough to make any business owner feel suicidal. It is all doom & gloom!
And yet I cannot help wondering if…
- I am not with Northern Rock or Bradford & Bingley (in the UK)
- I do not have shares on the stock market
- And I do not watch, listen or read any news media…
would I notice any direct affect?
Well, yes, I’d notice the fluctuation in fuel prices - especially if I have a large transport fleet or rely heavily on a vehicle to run my business. And - on a more personal note - I’d be aware of the increase in food prices and, maybe, my mortgage costs. But I wouldn’t be exposed to all this negativity.
I have a real concern that many businesses will, as one of my readers said, “do a Lehman” almost by default because of a mindset that can paralyse.
Allowing so much pessimism to seep into our minds does put us in a dangerous and vulnerable situation. When negative thoughts start to ‘become the norm’ it is crucifyingly simple to slip into constant worry. And worry cripples us - it prevents us taking action and gives us sleepless nights which drains our energy.
A Golden Book
I have in front of me a little golden booklet. It was originally printed in 1936. And it’s contents still hold true today. I got my copy in 1988 when I first got involved with the Dale Carnegie Organisation (Dale Carnegie is the author of ‘How To Win Friends and Influence People’).
Half the booklet addresses worry - and how to prevent its devastating effect: here’s a sample of the questions it tells you to ask yourself…
- (a) What is the Problem? For business people I’d suggest a big problem they’re facing is keeping orders high and cash flow strong. Making sure their business rides high on the waves of this economic turbulence.
- (b) What are the causes of the problem? Now that’s a question only you can answer in your particular situation. The crucial thing here is to take ownership of what is happening to your business. If you don’t take ownership how can you possibly solve any problems you may have?
For example if sales are low, why are they low… have you done everything possible to generate more business? If orders are high and cash-flow is sluggish, why? Do you need to change your payment terms?
- (c) What are the best solutions? Again the most effective solutions for you depend upon your answer to (b). If the problem you identified is lack of sales then changing your marketing approach may be high on your list. (That’s where the posts on this blog can help).
- (d) What is THE BEST solution? If you’ve come up with a number of solutions; actions you can take - such as a number of marketing techniques - then you need to form a plan of action to decide which is the best one to implement first.
It’s important not to just think positive - it’s also crucial to take positive action.
A few final words from the book:
“Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, health and hope.”
“Count your blessings - not your troubles.”
“Once a decision is reached, ACT!”
And another thought - if all the news in the media is depressing you - try not watching / reading it until you are in a better frame of mind and can shrug off the negativity.
~ Carol Bentley
P.S. If you want the recession-busting tactics I’ve shared with you over the last year, constantly at your fingertips in an easy-to-search volume, pop over to www.copywriting4b2b.com/btr-blog.html
P.P.S If you are concerned about house prices take a look at this interesting article about media hype on the housing market.
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[…] Adam Eason in his weekly Adam Up Ezine throughout September has been writing about ‘worry’ and how to avoid it or at least keep it in check. And now today a favourite person of mine - Carol Bentley - in her blog is singing from the same hymn book. http://www.copywriting4b2b.com/archives/177/trackback […]
Thanks for mentioning my post in your blog Keith - you’ve made some interesting points on there.
Carol