That's a question many small businesses and non profits are asking themselves these days. One thing is for sure, the times have changed and it just isn't like it used to be. In fact, it will probably never be like it used to be, so if we keep doing what we've been doing, we're probably not going to survive.
Over the next few posts, I'll list several things you can do to make sure you ARE still around, and in fact thriving this time next year. Here's the first thing we must do:
FACE REALITY.
This is no time to put your head in the sand and make like an Ostrich. Sure, we would all like to run away and hide sometimes, but that won't get us anything but out of business. So, what are your realities? I'm sure you're thinking of a lot of bad things, like the economy, people aren't spending, sales cycles take longer than in the past, deals are harder to make, people are slow to pay, and on and on. But here's another reality- people ARE still buying stuff, and new businesses ARE still starting up, so somebody IS still selling. Why can't it be you?
Here are three questions to consider when looking honestly at your realities:
1. Do you have a viable business proposition? Do you have something to sell that somebody other than your family and friends will buy? If not, find a new product or service.
2. Do you have a competitive advantage? If not, don't compete! This was behind Jack Welch's philosophy at GE when he said he wanted to be number one or number two in every business or he didn't want to be there at all. Just make sure there is something about what you do or what you sell that is better than your competition. Otherwise you'll always come in second.
3. What's working and what's not? Do more of what is and less of what isn't. Don't keep doing something just because YOU like it if it's not working. Remember the first rule of holes- when you're in one, stop digging!
Stay tuned- more steps to take coming right up.
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