Selling apples in a downward economy
I am surprised! I think we all would agree that we are living in highly interesting times and sometimes to simply sit back and observe what is going on around us is a fantastic exercise. I've been doing this consciously a couple of times lately, hence I'm surprised.
About the fact that on the one hand people are talking endlessly about a tough economy, how hard it is to sell now, tigther budgets, unmotivated employees, salesreps not doing their job, and so on. And on the other hand the very people are telling me about their upcoming 3 or even 4 week holiday. There are a handful out there having a different attitude. They know that in order to succeed in the current circumstances one cannot afford to let lose. This is not the time to enjoy the fruits, this is the time to sow the seeds in order to reap the benefits later. Rest is necessary, make no mistake. 2008 has been on all accounts a hectic year for everybody! The question is, how much of a rest?
At the moment the weeds are being sorted out, the wannabe's and fly-by-nights. Because when everybody around you tells you how bad it is, you will need very strong mechanisms in place to keep your own Little Voice in check. It's all too easy to give in, sigh, and blame the economy for our own failure. The biggest opportunities are available now, and that's not only houses sold below value, it's new needs people have, new ideas of making things easier, faster, etc.
Many people simply need to push themselves harder now and in the process discover new strengths within them leading them to new hights and successes.
Which one are you? The one that sighs and succumbs to the prevailing mood all around, or are you the one that has stopped listening to the news on TV and creates his/her own news that will push them even further?
My Little Voice tells me that in the Cape there will be no business from now until January, excpet toursim of course. I challenged that Little Voice and said, let's find out if that is indeed true. And that led me to the beginning of this post, being surprised. Because while I did find many people whose mind is already in holiday-mood and won't change until schools starts again, there are quite a few who are happy to take a little break soon but not until at least mid December and not for very long. Hence I have had my best week of the entire year.
A year-end is the perfect time to finish unfinished business, review and debrief in order to be able to start the new year with a bang. The strategic plan for 2009 should already be in place now, before the new year starts. Knowing where to go and how to get there is crucial!
If you're selling apples you're probably doing just fine, because the economic indicaters keep showing agriculture with nice growth rates, however even if you find yourself selling cars or houses, it's your mind that determines your results in the end. I have come across people in either industry that struggle, and those that are doing just fine, not as hot, but ok. What's the difference? Mindset! Little Voice Mastery!
At SalesPartners Cape Region we have some great offers for you if you're keen to get some really fantastic, hands-on coaching for entrepreneurs. In January we will be starting our Sales Mastery University, a tailor made program over 8 weeks for business owners and anybody in sales, affordable and efficient. One of the best Sales & Marketing Trainings available in South Africa today. Please enquire for more details.
PS: By the way, we are also stockists for Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow Games. Board game and electronic version for the PC or Mac. This is the ultimate and perfect Xmas gift.
Date Created: 2008-12-05 |
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