I firmly believe in looking for the opportunity in every situation; Given the choice of being crushed by circumstances or going for the gold, I will always choose the best possible outcome available in any given situation. I have found that there is absolutely no percentage in approaching life or business any other way, no matter how disastrous things may initially seem. One of the ways I’m finding opportunity in this recession is your absolute requirement that we reinvent our business with an open mind and willingness to change. Holding on to what was will never allow you to enjoy what will be. I personally believe that we are about to enter the greatest period of growth and reinvention this country has seen since World War II. However, it’s hard to see opportunity in the current chaos if all we see is chaos. I challenge you: change what you think is the best way to get through this recession and come out stronger on the other side. I ask you to reconsider ‘the way you’ve always done things’ and find a healthier way to respond to current conditions. Here are 6 suggestions to get you thinking.

1. Get over the panic and accept the reality of today’s shitty economy and its ever-changing rules. How do you do that? Improve everything and get ready to leave behind old beliefs and routines; beliefs that may limit the possible success available to you.

2. Change the way you work in business. Clear mental clutter so you can be more creative and efficient with what you have. I absolutely believe that you have a treasure trove of underutilized assets in your business that aren’t delivering their full potential because you’re so used to using them on a routine and regular basis. Again, it’s that “we’ve always done it this way” approach to business. Look at everything in your business: the massively underused skills and ideas of your employees, your relationships, alliances, suppliers, processes, your location, products and services. This would be a good time to focus on personal development. If you want different results than what you are currently experiencing, you need to change things up; it changes how you approach what you have, what you’re up against, what you want, and how you’ll get it. Choose the right mentors or trusted advisor support system. Consciously and unconsciously, we model our behavior after the people we admire and respect. Join a peer advisory group, think tank, develop your own advisory board or work with a coach – choose to learn from those who have handled what you are handling but whose perspective differs from yours and you will broaden the range of options in front. Don’t surround yourself with people who always support your thinking.

Change your environment. Our behaviors are always a reflection of our environment. Make sure your work environment is one that supports your creativity, supports your desire to really be in your workplace, and your pride in your business.

3. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t work in your business model; Be willing to let go of what no longer helps or supports you. Instead of viewing your business as a single, interlocking entity, break it down into a series of modules and look at each part separately: marketing, product development, customer service, policies, fixed costs, information technology, strategy, budgeting, sales. , employee policies. – all that. If you cut costs in this way, you will have an impact but not cause real damage to the business by depriving it of the funds it needs to survive.

4. Change and review your product mix to find more business opportunities. Use the variety of new media to find cheaper ways to deliver your product or lower your prices. Give your customers a break. Just like you, your customers are struggling to make ends meet and there is no benefit to you if they go bankrupt; You both need each other and if you’re willing to be flexible, you won’t be forgotten and it will be at the top of your shopping list when times improve.

5. Don’t cut back on marketing. Focus on getting more from your current customers and don’t waste time with prospects who won’t buy. Improve customer service – This is a low cost and effective marketing tool. Good relationships will always beat price and contracts!

6. Continue to be proactive and responsive, not reactive. Don’t think in terms of ‘right now’; instead, make decisions that will remain smart, in the long run. Keep your spirit high. Put some motivational material on your CD or iPod. Nothing makes selling more difficult than a pessimistic attitude. A positive attitude has a lot to do with your continued ability to be creative, aggressive, and persistent. And it will be a great habit to keep when things get easier again, and they will!