It’s hard to believe that half of the year is over – not exactly a stellar year for most of us!
I have learned quite a few things as a business owner (hard lessons learned) these past 6+ months:
•I should always look to cut expenses, even when times are good.
•I should reward creativity and innovation.
•I should look to do more with less.
•I should expect and appreciate the willingness of my staff to be flexible.
•I should recognize how my moods impact our employees, and those around me.
•It’s not what we make, it’s what we keep that counts.
I’ve also learned a few things on a personal level:
•“Shopping” in my closet isn’t that bad.
•Cooking can replace take-out.
•Time with friends doesn’t have to be expensive.
•Staying in shape mentally and physically is my choice, and under my control.
•I need to appreciate and be grateful for all of what I can give to others.
Let’s hope that the economy picks up during the last half of 2009!
Even when this happens (notice I said “when” and not “if”), however, I don’t want to lose site of these lessons learned.
As always, feel free to share your lessons learned/best practices.
Showing posts with label recession. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recession. Show all posts
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Don’t Worry Be Happy
You know the expression, “You teach what you need to learn.”?
Well, by nature, I am a positive person – always looking for the good in everybody and every situation … predicting a positive outcome.
But, lately it’s gotten harder. A combination of business matters (due to the economy) and family healthy issues have been weighing heavily on me like a ton of bricks.
I was walking around like Charlie Brown, with the proverbial gray cloud over his head.
The reality is – what is happening is going to happen, regardless of my attitude.
I had a choice: be miserable, or go back to optimism.
Over the weekend, I decided to change my negative attitude of late, beginning with my last journal entry. I started to list all the good things that are happening right now. I wrote what I am grateful for. I listed positive outcomes.
You might wonder … did it work?
Partially.
Since then, I haven’t dwelled on the negatives, I haven’t discussed the negatives, and I have been more cheery at work.
My bet is that it will get easier each day to honor my personal commitment to stay positive.
And, in time, so, too, will the different situations I encounter get better.
We all need to remember, that you get what you give out in life – the “reap what you sow” mentality.
If you exude negativity and pessimism, after awhile, those around you will feel and act the same.
So, today, I made the choice. I decided to be positive. Like the song says, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” :)
How about you? Will you join me on this positive journey?
Well, by nature, I am a positive person – always looking for the good in everybody and every situation … predicting a positive outcome.
But, lately it’s gotten harder. A combination of business matters (due to the economy) and family healthy issues have been weighing heavily on me like a ton of bricks.
I was walking around like Charlie Brown, with the proverbial gray cloud over his head.
The reality is – what is happening is going to happen, regardless of my attitude.
I had a choice: be miserable, or go back to optimism.
Over the weekend, I decided to change my negative attitude of late, beginning with my last journal entry. I started to list all the good things that are happening right now. I wrote what I am grateful for. I listed positive outcomes.
You might wonder … did it work?
Partially.
Since then, I haven’t dwelled on the negatives, I haven’t discussed the negatives, and I have been more cheery at work.
My bet is that it will get easier each day to honor my personal commitment to stay positive.
And, in time, so, too, will the different situations I encounter get better.
We all need to remember, that you get what you give out in life – the “reap what you sow” mentality.
If you exude negativity and pessimism, after awhile, those around you will feel and act the same.
So, today, I made the choice. I decided to be positive. Like the song says, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” :)
How about you? Will you join me on this positive journey?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Some Seats Open for BRODY BOOST Camp – Because, Professionalism is Even More Critical
Four day countdown to the next BRODY Professional Development BOOST Camp …
Self-development is even more critical than ever before.
If you are still employed, you need to present yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner.
If you aren’t employed, you again need to sell yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner – to get a new job.
Contrary to what the news media would like you to think, companies are still operating – and, in many fields, people are getting hired.
As I’ve said before, if you’re unemployed, getting depressed and giving up isn’t an option.
Or, if you fear that you will be in the next round of layoffs, don’t adopt a “there’s nothing I can do” attitude.
What do you need to do to boost your own presence and professionalism? Join me on April 2nd and you’ll find out!
We have a few more seats still open at our open-enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp.
Click here to learn more and register today.
Self-development is even more critical than ever before.
If you are still employed, you need to present yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner.
If you aren’t employed, you again need to sell yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner – to get a new job.
Contrary to what the news media would like you to think, companies are still operating – and, in many fields, people are getting hired.
As I’ve said before, if you’re unemployed, getting depressed and giving up isn’t an option.
Or, if you fear that you will be in the next round of layoffs, don’t adopt a “there’s nothing I can do” attitude.
What do you need to do to boost your own presence and professionalism? Join me on April 2nd and you’ll find out!
We have a few more seats still open at our open-enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp.
Click here to learn more and register today.
Monday, February 23, 2009
When Times Get Tough, the Tough Keep Going
“Certainly times are tough, but we recognize that employee development needs to continue.”
This quote, from a February 9, 2009, article in The Wall Street Journal, was spoken by David Metzger, Director of Management Development at Canon USA.
I congratulate Mr. Metzger and Canon USA for thinking “big picture.” As long as a business is still in business, the need for effective leadership is critical -- even more critical in difficult times.
A big part of leadership is communication. After all, you could be a brilliant strategic thinker, and may make great decisions, but if you can’t influence others, how can the decisions or strategy be implemented?
If you can’t communicate effectively, the rest of these attributes rarely matter.
Even if your company has cut back on training, it is no excuse for individuals to do the same.
Keep learning new techniques and strategies. At some point, this recession will end, and you will be well ahead of the game!
One avenue to consider -- my next BRODY BOOST Camp, April 2, 2009.
Click here for more information on this day-long open enrollment career development workshop.
This quote, from a February 9, 2009, article in The Wall Street Journal, was spoken by David Metzger, Director of Management Development at Canon USA.
I congratulate Mr. Metzger and Canon USA for thinking “big picture.” As long as a business is still in business, the need for effective leadership is critical -- even more critical in difficult times.
A big part of leadership is communication. After all, you could be a brilliant strategic thinker, and may make great decisions, but if you can’t influence others, how can the decisions or strategy be implemented?
If you can’t communicate effectively, the rest of these attributes rarely matter.
Even if your company has cut back on training, it is no excuse for individuals to do the same.
Keep learning new techniques and strategies. At some point, this recession will end, and you will be well ahead of the game!
One avenue to consider -- my next BRODY BOOST Camp, April 2, 2009.
Click here for more information on this day-long open enrollment career development workshop.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Post-Layoff Action Plan: Pick Up & Move On
I’ve been fielding many inquiries of late from members of the media – all related to stories they are doing about our business climate of increased job loss and a horrific economy – and how those who weren’t laid off can cope with the guilt of “survival.”
This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?
Here’s my reply:
The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?
The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.
Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?
Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.
Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.
I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.
Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.
This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!
It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.
Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.
You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.
Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.
You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.
I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.
Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.
You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.
Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.
Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!
This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?
Here’s my reply:
The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?
The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.
Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?
Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.
Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.
I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.
Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.
This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!
It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.
Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.
You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.
Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.
You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.
I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.
Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.
You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.
Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.
Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Don't Participate! (Guest Blogger Jeff Blackman, CSP, CPAE)
This week, I’m featuring a guest blog from my fellow National Speakers Association colleague Jeff Blackman, CSP, CPAE.
“A fascinating e-mail arrived on my desktop: 'Jeff, recently heard you speak. Loved it! Really valuable. However, I'm still struggling with something you said. You urged us, when asked by others, “How’s the soft economy affecting you?” to say, “I’m choosing not to participate!” How do I do that?'
Wow! Great question! So here's a rant ...
My choice 'not to participate' isn't an expression of a cavalier attitude, it's really a mindset of fiscal necessity. It would be far too easy for me to grumble or mutter:
'The economy stinks!'
'Nobody wants to do anything!'
'Nuthin' is left in clients' or prospects' budgets.'
Not only would the preceding be mindless mutterings of discontent, they'd be false! We're having a great year. Helping lots of folks achieve remarkable results. Yet I know, my success starts with me.
My belief system. My choices. My behaviors.
So for you, it's pretty simple ...
*To make more, you need to do more.
*Therefore, start doing things differently!
*To do more, you need to think more.
*Therefore, start thinking differently!
The responsibility for your success, starts with you!
No matter what the 'state' of the economy, there will always be predictors of doom and gloom. The naysayers. The critics. The question is, 'Do you choose to listen to them?'
It’s too easy to blame your 'plight' on others. Claim the economy is lousy. Or, accuse your company of giving you worthless leads.
Realize, today, right now...
* LOTS OF ... customers are making buying decisions and receiving significant value and results.
* LOTS OF ... deals are being done.
* LOTS OF ... money is being made.
Choose to participate in THAT triumphant trifecta!
* Eliminate your moans and groans.
* Eradicate your complaints and whimpers.
* Remove your bellyaches and gripes.
Heck. Just Stop Whining! Start Selling!
Just ask yourself the question:
What one thing, could you do once a day ... or one more time a day, that would have a significant impact on your life or business?
Then, just do it!
Your results will inform the world."
Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer. His clients call him a "business-growth specialist." Contact Jeff at: 847.998.0688 or jb@jeffblackman.com. And visit www.jeffblackman.com to learn more about his other business-growth tools and to subscribe to Jeff's FREE e-letter, The Results Report. Jeff's books include Stop Whining! Start Selling!, (an Amazon Bestseller) and the revised 4th edition of the bestselling Peak Your Profits.
“A fascinating e-mail arrived on my desktop: 'Jeff, recently heard you speak. Loved it! Really valuable. However, I'm still struggling with something you said. You urged us, when asked by others, “How’s the soft economy affecting you?” to say, “I’m choosing not to participate!” How do I do that?'
Wow! Great question! So here's a rant ...
My choice 'not to participate' isn't an expression of a cavalier attitude, it's really a mindset of fiscal necessity. It would be far too easy for me to grumble or mutter:
'The economy stinks!'
'Nobody wants to do anything!'
'Nuthin' is left in clients' or prospects' budgets.'
Not only would the preceding be mindless mutterings of discontent, they'd be false! We're having a great year. Helping lots of folks achieve remarkable results. Yet I know, my success starts with me.
My belief system. My choices. My behaviors.
So for you, it's pretty simple ...
*To make more, you need to do more.
*Therefore, start doing things differently!
*To do more, you need to think more.
*Therefore, start thinking differently!
The responsibility for your success, starts with you!
No matter what the 'state' of the economy, there will always be predictors of doom and gloom. The naysayers. The critics. The question is, 'Do you choose to listen to them?'
It’s too easy to blame your 'plight' on others. Claim the economy is lousy. Or, accuse your company of giving you worthless leads.
Realize, today, right now...
* LOTS OF ... customers are making buying decisions and receiving significant value and results.
* LOTS OF ... deals are being done.
* LOTS OF ... money is being made.
Choose to participate in THAT triumphant trifecta!
* Eliminate your moans and groans.
* Eradicate your complaints and whimpers.
* Remove your bellyaches and gripes.
Heck. Just Stop Whining! Start Selling!
Just ask yourself the question:
What one thing, could you do once a day ... or one more time a day, that would have a significant impact on your life or business?
Then, just do it!
Your results will inform the world."
Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer. His clients call him a "business-growth specialist." Contact Jeff at: 847.998.0688 or jb@jeffblackman.com. And visit www.jeffblackman.com to learn more about his other business-growth tools and to subscribe to Jeff's FREE e-letter, The Results Report. Jeff's books include Stop Whining! Start Selling!, (an Amazon Bestseller) and the revised 4th edition of the bestselling Peak Your Profits.
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