“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier” – Colin Powell
As 2009 gets underway – there are very few who have not felt the impact of the “down-turn” in the economy. Everywhere you look, there is news about it…
Banks and Financial Companies…down.
And the list goes on (and on, and on)
Holy Smokes – for a sales person it might feel like the only option is to stay in bed. I mean seriously…WHO are you going to sell to if no one is buying?
Ying/Yang…with all bad news – there is ALWAYS good news.
Here are some ideas I have about how to ensure success in 2009:
#1 – “Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success” - Dr. Joyce Brothers. It starts with your attitude: if you believe achieving your goals is impossible because of the economy – then you are right. If you believe that nothing will get in the way of making your goals…then you will succeed.
But, believing you will succeed is not enough, is it?
Of course not…
#2 – You need to look for opportunities in places you might not have thought of before.
Make an effort to read everything you can about your particular market. A great way to get information delivered right to you is to set up a Google alert. It is easy and can be very targeted or very general. Even if you only scan the headlines each day – you will find nuggets of information that you may want to research further for potential new clients.
#3 – There are always business’s that are doing well. OK, it may feel like they are far and few between today. However, it is a place to start. A couple industries/ companies that had a good year in 2008:
- Discount retailers – places like the Dollar Store, Outlet Malls, etc.
- Pharmacies – Walgreens, CVS, are seeing sales of their ancillary items (groceries, etc.) spurring growth in sales.
- Liquor Companies – we are all depressed, so we are drinking more – not great news, but it is opportunity.
- Cosmetic Companies are also not doing too bad. Research shows when the economy goes down, women will spend more on make-up.
In the end, it is up to you to make sales happen. No one ever said it would be easy, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Keep your chin up, keep your eyes open and keep moving forward!
