Low Economy – Big Opportunity!!!

By John Smithman

Sales in a slump? Economy got you down? Worried about losing at the business game? Well, you don’t have to lose. In spite of low sales, some businesses are growing. Here’s how to win…

The secret to benefiting from hard times is to build your bench strength.

If you sit and moan while waiting for the economy to turn, you’ll lose the business game. On the other hand, business champions use slow periods to recharge batteries and to prepare for the inevitable rebound. It’s like plants using the winter to prepare for spring.

For example, many dealers are selling off their stock at big discounts to maintain their sales numbers. This may seem like a good idea, but when the economy rebounds they will be sitting there with no stock to sell and no money to buy new stock. Their sales numbers are up at the expense of their profit margins.

Whereas, business champions take advantage of a sales lull by filling the spare time with training. They build their bench strength for the next big game.

“It’s a great time,” says one company owner, “for training sales crews, revising promo material and web site; and for updating our strategic plans and business goals.”

He is holding his prices and maintaining his stock value. His sales are down, but his free time is up. Like the teacher who spends the summer honing skills and building new reserves of knowledge, this business owner is capitalizing on his opportunity.

When the economy bounces back, he is poised to benefit because he has stock for sale at high margins and a strong, fully-trained, well-prepared crew to make those sales.

The secrets to success in business are to keep a positive attitude and to look for the opportunities in challenges. It’s a short trip from challenge to opportunity, if you know the path. Call your preferred business coach now and get the help you need for the success you deserve.

 (c) 2002 John Smithman Used with permission of Author. John Smithman, founder Champions in the Workplace Training & Development Inc. "Where People Grow" (604) 618-6277 Mailto:HeadCoach@champions.ca John Smithman has been building champions in the workplace for over 40 years. As an entrepreneur, he built an Ontario airline, a BC university services department, an Ontario transportation company, and a school products manufacturing company. Based in Vancouver, John coaches business owners across Canada since 1996, as head coach of Champions in the Workplace Training & Development Inc. John is a Toastmaster, a Rotarian, and a Junior Achievement volunteer.

Article courtesy of Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey and Ideas At Work! www.ideaman.net