by Scott Harris (as featured in Pacific Coast Business Times)
At almost any gathering of business people–a board meeting, a Chamber or Rotary mixer, or any of the various networking organizations that have become so prevalent in recent years–you will find the conversation almost inevitably turns toward the economy. It has become the default topic of conversation since the first of recent recessions hit in 2008.
The gatherings seem to be broken up into three types. First, and unfortunately the largest, is the “isn’t it terrible” crowd. These are generally the loudest and seem bent on the “misery loves company” approach, blaming all of their business woes on our elected officials (especially those who are members of the party they are not) or on “The Economy,” an ominous, faceless, anonymous, uncontrollable evil. You can sometimes hear an almost perverse pride in those who seem to battle for title of most lost home equity or down sales. Then there is always the group who simply listen and nod. One wonders what they think, but opinions or assessments are rarely offered. The third group is made of those whose businesses are thriving and they are a bit sheepish, sometimes even apologetic, about discussing their success, knocking on wood and talking quite a bit about luck and fortune, as if afraid to take credit for their success.
There is no doubt that the economy has suffered over the last 3-4 years, and if those who make their living predicting the economic future (which I still believe involves Tarot cards and dart boards) are to be believed, we have a tough couple of years coming up. With that in mind, I have one response:
Get over it!
This economy is no longer a surprise. It’s been this way for a while and will be for a while longer. If you’ve been holding your breath waiting for the return of 2007: let it go. This is our shared new reality. Those who have been successful–and those who will be in the future–are those making the necessary adjustments, not those bellyaching about things they can’t control. Talking about how bad it’s been or blaming the economy for your business woes accomplishes absolutely nothing.Accept and adjust to this economy. There is still plenty of business out there for those with the right business and the right attitude. If you’re hanging on to a dying business or working in a dying industry–let it go. These gatherings sometimes feel like an old buggy convention with everyone complaining about these “newfangled cars” and wondering how long before we can go back to the way it was.
I would like to ask two questions. First, who are you more drawn to at these meetings? The guy who is complaining, or the one is quietly sharing his success story? Second, which one are you? So much of business success is based on attitude.Would you rather do business with someone who is doing well, is successful in tough times and is positive and upbeat, or with someone who constantly talks about their struggles and is looking for people to blame? Odds are, your customers and potential customers feel exactly the same way.
It is also worth noting that unless your last name is Obama, Buffet or Bernanke, there is very little–or nothing–that you can do to impact “The Economy.” What you can do is impact your business.As a matter of fact, for better or worse, everything you do is impacting your business. What kind of an impact are you having? What kind do you want to have?While so many others seem to be looking for excuses to fail, this is an excellent time to be looking for reasons and opportunities to succeed. They are out there; you just need to find them. So at the next meeting, if you want to talk about the good things that are happening and the positive steps you’re taking to grow and succeed, please search me out. I’d love to listen!