"It's awesome to profit from spreading the word about things you care about while making a difference in the lives of others and profiting too."
It's been a rough few months in some sectors, and endless news about the "R" word doesn't help. When your industry suffers from a dip, you must remind yourself what you're made of. First, it starts with a reality check. Yes, it's tempting to close your eyes, run in circles and avoid looking at your monthly sales revenues but that's not the answer. Become proactive and watch less CNN (constant negative news.) The next best thing to do is keep your eyes wide open - be even more aware and assess. A good crisis is a shame to waste. Some of the best opportunities are out there in these times - it makes you focus like a laser. And sometimes under your nose all kinds of possibilities exist.
Secondly, when your sector is slumping or your stable clients are slipping away, recommit to the idea of diversification. Diversify who you know and widen or narrowly niche your customer base. Circulate and cast your web wide so all your clients and friends aren't in one segment or arena. They must be in a variety of industries, financial brackets, and regions. This will lessen your exposure to volatility and ease anxiety so you're not on a roller coaster of wild emotions. Networking in person and on-line and reconnecting with people who have known you and love you is critical.
Third thing, are you in it for the long run? How committed are you? Will you hold on or should you exit? Good questions to ask. Even with 20% downturns there will always be a superstar. When others bail out, you can emerge as the big money maker. In the meantime build yourself up and grow your skills--- take a workshop on e-commerce, improve or refine talents you already have. Don't stand still; instead use the lull and deepen your knowledge. Learn everything about your industry or new markets and become a walking Wikipedia. Share your wisdom and you will be invaluable to others and your confidence will soar.
Fourth, as a business owner and a seller in an industry facing tougher times or dealing with the "new austerity," you need to create opportunities before throwing the towel in. This is the time to build good will and offer discounts or incentives that some buyers will find very appealing. Let's face it: America is on sale. Be flexible and work in a new way and change your menu of offerings - you've heard it before: "adapt or die." Have products priced so reasonably that people can't refuse and they get a taste of what you have to offer. There are always opportunities when you approach your familiar business in an unfamiliar way. This is the time to be mutable, not fixed. There will always be an opportunity for someone who needs better services at a better price. So new doors can open in tight times and people will remember you when it turns around. Caution: don't make it JUST about the low price; your offer must be timely, relevant and beneficial and you need to reiterate the bennies.
Selling can keep you up at night--- outrageous self-imposed goals cause toxic stress. In this era you need your wits and your health. Leave the all-nighters to bats and cats. Talking up what you have and helping others is enjoyable. Few things offer financial possibilities and freedom like selling - really. If you've decided that you are in it for good and want to create financial independence, take a longer view. Success shouldn't be determined by a few months of activity; think in terms of getting cash flow flowing now but imagine bigger growth during the next year. It might take years for this economy to turn around. But the need for valuable goods and services won't go away. Those who gain the biggest rewards in any time but particularly now are those who consistently diversify their life, friends, interests, education, and plan to sprint not marathon for a good long run.