No Room for "Doom and Gloom"
by Yvette Cook
In today’s turbulent economy, there is certainly more negative noise in regard to most business related conversations. Perhaps for many, this may be the most trying, challenging time you have ever faced during a business cycle. Regardless of the size of your business, your perception stages the reality and sets the tone for your future and where you are headed next. The picture you paint of your business to yourself, to your employees, and to your customers and vendors is critical to your future success. Regardless of where the negative noise begins, it is important that all leaders within your organization change their mental perceptions immediately.
Businesses, much like the economy, experience numerous cycles. It is important that the CEO and top-level management understand how these cycles work and how your business can benefit, even during a down cycle. If you examine a cycle as a repeated sequence of events, then you understand that it is a temporary position. Changing your mental mode within and about your business during a down cycle is the first step to creating an encouraging environment.
A “Doom and Gloom” outlook will only assist with the fall of your business. Taking a more fruitful position and examining how you can take advantage of this situation to strengthen your business will provide the greatest benefits, internally and externally.
Seize this opportunity to:
- Strengthen your relationship with your current clients
- Expand your networking base - get creative
- Examine your strategic direction - consider a reposition of your business
- Develop or strengthen your “greening initiatives”
- Uncover new streams of revenue
- Examine new ways to reduce costs
- Get rid of all clutter - make room for new business
- Stay active in your business community
Remember, cycles are a repeated sequence of events with a beginning and end. Your end result can be a more positive experience during the down cycle, and a renewed position of strength for your post-cycle business activities.
About the Author
Yvette Cook has cultivated a career in media, marketing and business development spanning over 20 years. Having worked as an executive for top television and radio stations across the U.S., including ABC, CBS and PBS affiliates, Cook now uses her vast array of skills and expertise as a consultant and strategic partner to assist businesses desiring to maximize their performance. An entrepreneurial advocate, Cook has applied her innovative thinking, depth of experience, and visionary approach to assist her clients in managing their business needs. Cook is highly committed to serving her community and passionate about expanding eco-consciousness. She holds a Masters Degree in Communications from the University of Denver, Denver, CO, and resides in Dallas, TX with her three children.