Jeff Blackman says what do we do now?

I get an email from Jeff Blackman. He is an encourager. That's what he does. I thought it might encourage you.

"Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses and some don't turn up at all." - Sam Ewing, American writer / humorist "The price of greatness is responsibility." - Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman / prime minister "Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out." - James Bryant Conant, American chemist / university president

JEFF, SO WHATTA YA THINK?

Question Jeff, when it comes to the future...I'm trying to hope for the best, but I'm anxious and concerned. How can I change my perspective? (italics provided) Answer Hope. Change. Two simple words. They can bring the promise of a new tomorrow. A fresh start. A bright beginning. They are words that work. They helped get Barack Obama elected, the 44th President of the United States. He proved, anything is possible! This is NOT a political message. It's a business message. About how to capture attention. Stir emotion. Generate enthusiasm. Create action. And profit! As I travel the country as a "business-growth specialist"...there are three common messages I'm hearing from CEOs, executives, leaders and salespeople: 1. "Business stinks. Sales are down. We’re laying off people." 2. "We're hanging in. We're holding our own. It's tough, but we're breaking even or still profitable." 3. "Business is actually up. We're adding people. Last month, this quarter... broke new sales records." While there are of course nuances to the preceding, these are the mantras I'm hearing. In varied regions. From all types of businesses. The consistency…is the inconsistency! Yet, there's ONE constant. These folks remain "hopeful." And, they know "change"...(even if things are good), is required. However, hope and change come with high expectations. Because, hope and change alone...aren't enough to secure the "dawn of a new day." YOU better make intelligent decisions and take meaningful action. To get you headed in the right direction, here are fifteen strategies: 1. Focus on training, development and productivity enhancement 2. Plan and prepare, better to be pro-active vs. reactive 3. Establish "teams" 4. Have defined goals that are realistic, but that "stretch" 5. Monitor progress and modify 6. "Pilot" change before expanding 7. "Empower" your self and others...before, during and after the change 8. Link "change" to rewards 9. Find ways to improve, enhance or upgrade your products and services 10. Make "value" your differentiator, not price 11. Get closer to your prospects, customers or clients...ask them better questions, discover how you can improve their condition 12. Make referrals a part of your pipeline; ask for 'em, get 'em, convert 'em (Your customers already know you, like you, love you and trust you. It's a dis-service, not to ask, who else you can help!) 13. Pay close attention to your receivables and cash flow 14. Stay optimistic 15. Be patient Your future... Starts with "hope." It's your "wish list" for something positive to happen. It seems possible. Plausible. Likely. It's that gut-feeling, that desirable outcomes, are just around the corner. Your future... Then requires "change." New choices. New skills, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Your future... Then demands "action." To "get" something....you must "do" something. May you transform hope, change and action...into results. And may you too prove, anything is possible!