Welcome to our newsletter...in it we have information, articles, events to help you propel your business forward. I am really excited about adopting this new format for my newsletter and hope that you like what it's all about.


Managing in turbulent times:


You'd have to be living under a rock to not be affected by the recent week that was on the markets. Bay St. in Canada and Wall Street in the U.S. both were rocked in a steady stream of downturns this week and the money supply is beginning to get a bit tighter. The "Economy" is on the minds of every politician north and south of the 49th parallel.

We all know that there is uncertainty in the market place and in our own businesses. Personally, I have been questioning some of the business moves I have taken on and if it's worth it or not. Am I on the right track? Why aren't those tele-classes working, how can I just get 3 more advertisers on the show for our new season? Why is more money going out and than in? I don't think I am alone in these thoughts...Have I miscalculated the marketplace? Why aren't the ideas and services I have created in my business not yielding results?

Am I off? Do I give up? Go get a job?

Well here's the deal. First of all I think in this market place you've got to really be flexible. Be prepared to change or shift gears at any moment. If it's not working and it's not feeling right then give it up and move onto another aspect of the business. Life should not be about the struggle, it is not about doing things and not getting the results. It's not about banging your head against the wall and having a sore head and little else to show for your efforts.

So be prepared to change. Don't get too wrapped up in what you're doing from an emotional point of view and give up the struggle. Shift gears, step away or go for a walk in the park as a former boss of mine once advised.

In my weekend walk with my friend Bob, (we go for weekly walks and then talk about life or business after) we were discussing the notion of him working with former CEO's in his accounting practice and how they are reluctant to change and do something new because they expect the secretary, the expense account, the luxuries of how it was...so I told Bob...I got one piece of advice for these ex-CEO's and that was..."Get on with it"!!!

You have to let go, be flexible and move forward big time...no fear here!

The next key to managing in turbulent times is to really tune out the news. I mean it. Watching the 11 am news is akin to you watching a dreadful horror flick just before bed. I don't know about you but when I watch a horror film I can't sleep after, because my imagination runs wild and yes...what if a boogie man comes to attack me in the middle of the night?

You should have seen me after seeing the Shining with Jack Nicholson, I slept with the lights on that night...

Tune out the news and tune into positive messages. Meditation CD's, good news reports or read the bible or other religious teachings that lift your spirit up. Read positive books, look at others who live successful lives, have someone or something that inspires you.

In these times of uncertainty don't take things personally, it's funky for everyone in this day and age, so it's important to have an attitude of compassion and forgiveness. You don't know what's going on for people these days...one of my colleagues lost over $20,000 in net worth on the stock market decline...I got an unexpected bill for my business for $500.00. So who's having a worse day? One day like that can just put your day into a tailspin. Have compassion on people in your life and as Stephen Covey would say. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.

Another key step in managing in tougher unstable times is to hold the vision. Be the vision, continue to to do the actions and you will have the success you seek. Hold that vision, take time to meditate on it each day...but hold that vision.

So where are we at? We've talked about being flexible in your business, tuning out the news, putting positive messages into your mind, holding the vision, being compassionate and understanding of others, but there is something else that matters when managing in turbulent times and that's about doing what brings you joy.

Do the work that brings you joy. Do things with passion and love and I promise you your businesses and life will always work out. No one can take that away from you. Do what brings you joy. Let go of what brings you down. Because if you're not "In-Joy" than life will surely be a drag and it's already a bit of a challenge these days isn't it? You deserve to be in joy...so enjoy your life. You got one go around you might as well have fun!

Some other aspects to consider when managing in challenging times is to surround yourself with good people. Not that you want "Yes" men or women in your life, but you want people who see it as it is but can see possibility in what you're doing. An angle you haven't thought of or an opportunity that's around the bend or a contact for you to call on. But surround yourself with positive people.

Lastly, one other key to managing in challenging times is to trust. Trust that all will work out and whatever is going on around us is just what needs to have happen. Remember the Chinese expression, "out of chaos comes opportunity" so the change, the turbulence we're all going through is an opportunity to change, to shift, to manage more effectively, to let go of what's not working and focus on the things that matter most and bring you more joy.

So go get 'em this quarter. Keep at it, keep reaching and don't give up. Because if you give up...then the bad guys win...and we don't want that do we?

Here are some website links to help you stay positive and in the flow...plus I have embedded a really uplifting video...again there is a sponsored message at the end of it...and we don't know this company to recommend them...but the message is poignant and powerful.

WEBSITES:

www.postivenews.net

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/


All the very best to you. Our next newsletter will be in December so stay well until then!


David Cohen
Learning, coaching, radio
The Place where Small Business Comes
To learn, grow and succeed
This is that place, this is your home.
www.smallbusinessbigideas.com