Recession Rules

Recession Rules

By Sue Haswell

Whether you are self-employed, an employee or MD of a multi-national, the recession will be affecting you.  So here’s a positive view on the new rules of business during a recession, and how to turn them to YOUR advantage.

How often do you hear: “To keep up our previous success we just need to do more of what we used to do”?

It seems to be quite the mantra of the moment, but is it really the way to success?

Is it the case that just doing ‘more than before’ will produce enough business to replace whatever you lose?  Surely if you *could* have done more before the recession  – then that’s exactly what you would have been doing.

It’s possible, of course, that pre-the-R-word, you were coasting on a wave of good fortune and high profits, and turning away “excess” business. But how many of us were really in that blissful state?  No, really, if there was business to be had you’d have gone and got it, right?    Exactly.

So what on earth makes people think that these sales/work/business opportunities, left carelessly lying around, are still there?  They aren’t there now and they never were.

Changing rules

In addition to the reduction in business, the other thing to consider is that the rules have changed.  The rules of business, of sales, of marketing, of schedules, times, turnaround, credit, expectations and results… they are different, changed by new demands, lesser requirement, different outputs and global factors.

We cannot win using the old rules because they no longer apply.   The simple evidence of this is that continuing to operate in the “old way” works less well.  And the idea of doing more of the old – that’s the road to almost certain burn-out and despair.

So what should we do?   We have been indoctrinated with the concept of “doing” – but sometimes better to stop doing and to start observing.

Take the pulse

Have a good look round at where you are and how you’re going to move forward.

It’s time to take the pulse of your market, your business, your potential.  You’ll need research. Surveys.  Focus groups. Monitoring. Feedback. Sound analysis.

For the best results, adopt the approach of the accountant – look at this coldly, analytically.  Detach yourself from the questions and the results.  If possible ask a friend or a specialist organisation to do the work for you. Your customers like you and they will want to give you the answers they think you want to hear.   At all stages in this work, you NEED objectivity to gather, view and process the results.

It’s not a short activity, and whilst you need to keep your distance, this is work you must delegate – you cannot abdicate.  So it’s not going to be cheap in terms of time or cost either.   But the payback can be immense. From keeping your business going, to opening up new markets.  New clients.  New opportunities  – and best of all setting a route map and the keys to unlock the doors to your future success.

It would be good to say that it’s a brave move to look to such potential changes, but to survive and thrive it’s something we must all do.  If we get it right, then this global recession could become a catalyst, a springboard to our sustainable success.  An opportunity to look at things anew.  To re-shape, re-focus and re-invent – ultimately reaping the benefits for years to come.

PS: The recession WILL end.  It’s simply a journey.  The question is – how can you best enjoy that journey with a positive frame of mind, and use it to come out at the end stronger, re-energised and invigorated… possibly with a whole new business or lifestyle!

Sue’s Links:

Big Results PR & Marketing –  www.bigresults.co.uk

FaceBook – BigResultsPRMarketing

Twitter: @suehaswell

Email: sue.h@bigresults.co.uk

Sue’s Mini Bio:

Sue Haswell has been in sales & marketing all her working life.  She has consulted for major organisations including Central Trains, Cosmopolitan (TM) Lingerie, Jane Shilton, and Coventry City Council supporting New Deal for Communities.

After working for a subsidiary of Shandwick (the world’s largest PR consultancy) Sue set up her business in Birmingham in 1997.  This fast expanded to employ journalists and TV reporters, and is now based in Devon.  Self-confessed creativity-addict, Sue encourages thinking outside-the-box.  “Marketing is about getting noticed – not following a crowd.”

How I Know Jaki:

I met Jaki at Toastmasters, and was immediately bowled over by her fabulous speaking ability – and how she can talk “off the hoof”, about the most surprising and inspirational topics.  She’s the sort of woman who’d be the dream guest/speaker at an awkward dinner party or stifling formal occasion – perhaps she should hire herself out in such roles! Because Jaki’s quiet unassuming nature hides a depth of personality and wisdom that make her a delight to speak with one-to-one, and this same wisdom shines like a beacon when she takes to the stage, illuminating hearts and minds with courage, eloquence and energy.

A Message from Jaki ~ Thank you

Thank you Sue for a great blog  and those very kind words about me! I am blushing and have gone ‘all shy’ :))

As Sue said, we met at Toastmasters. What she hasn’t said is that she is a very smart, savvy and articulate lady herself. I love people with drive and motivation, who take action – Sue is one of those people. She has a quick sense of humour and manages to assess situations with clarity and positivity in seconds.

I love the sentence “sometimes better to stop doing and start observing” – How true.

Simple Positive Steps You Can Take Now ~

In Gratitude

Jaki :)

 

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