So, as we talk each day to Realtors, lenders, banks, and all types of support folks (appraisers, surveyors, title insurers, etc.), they all discuss the economy and the lack of business.
It has made me wonder, if the economy is THE cause of our problems now (as many claim), does that mean that the economy gets 100% credit for the money folks made during the boom?
In other words, can anyone that blames the economy almost exclusively honestly take credit for success when the economy is booming? After all, if you just ride the winds of the economy, what can you take credit and blame for personally and professionally?
Let me be candid... "It's beyond my control" is NOT a very professional business plan.
I submit that the economy is "A" problem but not "THE" problem. Otherwise, if it is THE problem for you, you are essentially admitting that you are powerless. Who wants to hire a powerless professional? And how do you explain those that are still making money in this economy when others are failing? Granted, it may less money, but there is a difference in those succeeding and those that are failing.
Which are you? Which do you want to be? What are you doing differently to be successful? Are adapting?
I encourage you to be sure you are looking at yourself PROFESSIONALLY. Be a business person. Be proactive. And proactive can be a number of things, from a new approach to a change of professions.
The most successful business people adapt. Many will even have more than one career over their lifetime. But I don't see any of the successful people use "wait for the economy to improve" as their exclusive business plan. If one line of business does not work.. STOP IT. Find something that does work.
Failing is not the same as waiting to Fail. The former is active, the latter is passive. If you are struggling right now then which are you doing? And what are you going to do about it?
Many businesses will fail and granted some will have had a proactive plan. But most that fail will have deserved to fail and yet will honestly believe it was not their fault. I suppose that is human nature. And even a failure can be a blessing if you learn from it and use that information next time. But most waste that lesson too and then repeat the same mistakes in good times. After all, if it is not your fault, there is nothing you can fix or change.
My encouragement to you is to not wait for your fate. Be proactive, what ever that may be for you. Do not fear bad decisions because even postponing a decision is also a decision. If you make a bad decision, correct it and go another direction.
Be a professional. Be a business person. And if you don't know how, find a mentor (The most succesful people I know also know when to ask for guidance!)
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A related blog posted by Jennifer Allan is Highly Recommended Reading... Is it Okay to Blame the Market for Your Lower Production?
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Hi Glenn,
Thank you for what you just wrote. I am soooo tired of hearing it is the economy. I realize there is an effect but it is not the sole cause of what happens in our lives. When I meet someone for the first time and they start off in a negative rant, I know that is not a person I want in my life. I agree that we need to take a positive stand in ourlives and create success. If not in our immediate future, how about the near future. Plan for the future to be successful and it will be. I am a firm believer in positive thinking. My attitude makes some people sick. Again I do not want them in my life anyway! I have pictures of the car I plan to earn with my second business, Mary Kay, hanging on my bathroom mirror. I have a goal poster in my bedroom. It may sound childish to some, but for me it keeps me positive. I have made more money this year that any other, What economy?? It is as good as you make it. Granted I have branched out and have more that one avenue of income. So what, so can everyone. Or they can sit around and wait for the "economy' to pay their bills...
Happy Tuesday!!
Lori
P.S. Call me if you want to learn how to branch out and live for today!!
Great insightful post. I try to be positive and proactive. The media and economy have been playing a negative role but we need to paint the local market and express that now is a great time to invest... Prices are good the rates are very favorable.... I would personally invest if I had the extra funds...
Thank you! It's about time someone pointed out what many of us think. In my opinion, I see a lot of people looking for a blame placer - it's so much easier to point your finger at the force of the economy, after all it's not like blaming a person, much less yourself - then to take a hard look inward and asking yourself "what can I be doing differently/better?"
I agree and remind myself daily that I am in charge and NOT the economy. Thanks
Amen! Better to try and fail than to not try at all! If you do nothing... you'll succeed every time.
Lori Isaacson (Credit Restoration Consultants) Hi Lori, visual goals are very important and kudos for using them. Sames goes for a written business plan and a written strategic plan. Seeing helps more than remembering for so many of us! Best of luck!! G
Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Hi Caron, yes for those with credit and funds, it is a GREAT time to buy! G
Glenn...Thanks for the validation. I use written, spoken and even just dreamed of goals daily. Much of what I learned comes from my Mary Kay business. The Company is a wealth of power to each and every person involved. From the customer to the consultants. If you know of anyone looking to supplement their income with the most amazing company in the world, let me know!! I love to share the dream and keep the dream of Mary Kay alive!!!!
Happy Tuesday!!
Lori
Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) Hi Amy, yes you are right. Some many need something to blame. Accepting blame is hard for most people but if they can learn to accept it appropriately it can be so useful. Now that does not mean accepting inappropriate blame, that is just a passive behavior. Still, if someone believes they are not at fault, then there is nothing for them to do... it is beyond their control and in their mind relieves them of any risk of failure. Take care! G
SUCCEEDING Glenn!
Bo
CF Escrow, Inc. (CF Escrow, Inc.) Yes, it is a matter of taking charge of one's own life and own livelyhood! G
Glenn :
I wrote a blog a while back about changing, a whole remake every market cycle,
I have been continuously a leader in my industry by doing just that. As much as I get comfortable like everyone else, I muster up the energy to change.
I have done it again and I am busy as ever. Please don't see me as arogant about this, it is just the way you must be. I must tell you, i don't know how many more times I can do this.
By the way, I do spend a great amount of time helping others to do the same.
Richard
David Slavin, ABR, SRES RE/MAX Grand, Katy, TX (RE/MAX Grand) "If you do nothing... you'll succeed every time." ... Well Said! G
Bo Hussung/ National Title Agent (Cogent Closing Associates) Cool Bo! G
Richard Stabile Bergen County New Homes Builder Realtor (REMAX real estate associates) Hi Richard, Great job with adapting and even bigger kudos for mentoring! A stronger and more adept industry helps us all and the more you help others the greater your sphere of influence. Good Job!! G