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We Need a Good Old Fashioned Recession

We Need a Good Old Fashioned Recession

Yes, when Morgan Stanley loses $10 billion in the last quarter, maybe it is time to rethink how we are doing business. We could list many companies right here, Citigroup, Bear Stearns, UBS, B of A, etc.; this is not to pick on Morgan. However, aren’t these the guys we go to for money and advice about our businesses? My motto has always been “Actions speak louder than words”.

During the past year I have had the opportunity to work inside many different types of companies and organizations. The consistent impression is fewer people doing more work, which is how we as a nation have been able to increase productivity in the past decade. The same money guys listed above believe this is the formula going forward. I disagree; the signs of strain are beginning to show. The work-life balance is beginning to push people into making alternative choices. The people who get to keep their jobs with these “Big” companies get to stress their health and existence to the point of breaking…some prize. Many people are choosing to bring value to the marketplace in their own way. The companies will be left with the mediocre while talent will go elsewhere. This is how the market works, read Atlas Shrugged.

If companies want to adapt and grow we must look at what is working…job shares, flex-hours, policies that are employee friendly. The results are amazing, when you treat people well they threat your customers well and business grows, what a concept! “YOU control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands-your own.” Mark Victor Hansen

Now is a good time for a “recession” to rethink how we are doing things. Invest in people.

Cold Calls...the way of the "Buggy Whip"?

In today's marketplace it has become more and more difficult for salespeople to make "cold calls". In times past there was a percentage of the sales population who were reluctant to make "cold calls"...they had call reluctance. These words are not to be taken to your sales manager and then say..."I told you so", this is about the market reality.

It is my observation that in the past six years there has been a dramatic change in how people interact. After September 11th our attitudes shifted in regards to strangers and letting people into our space and our world, the innocence was gone. Salespeople could no longer walk into an establishment or call unannounced or unexpected...the reception was no longer open or friendly or trusting. Was there resistance in the past, yes, but somehow this is much different. Even if you obtain an audience through this "cold call" I submit the results are not the same...they may speak with you, however, there is no trust, there is no equity in the relationship...there is NO relationship.

Now more than ever people want relationships, they want to know who they are dealing with and they want to be able to trust them...life is short, I want to deal with someone I know, like and trust. This applies to all vendors, all interactions, and any relationships with clients. If not COLD CALLING than what do we do?

Today we have witnessed the explosion of other forms of communication and relationship building. BNI,LeTip, Newsletters, Blogs, Linkedin, Face Book, Email, Viral Marketing, Data Base Management and your web site. If these terms, acronyms and definitions are NOT familiar to you then you are missing the 21st Century. Go right now and ...yes Google the above.