We are living in challenging times. If you are not feeling the economic pinch, you at least know others who are.
Some blame the politicians, both Republicans and Democrats.
Others blame the legal system.
And many wag their finger at corporations who have failed to serve the customer in lieu of their own desire to become wealthy.
Regardless, the end result is that unemployment is up and more people are having a difficult time making ends meet.
And yes, many in the Internet business are feeling it as well. It\’s impossible to be unaffected by a bad economy.
I won\’t name any names, but I know many Internet marketers who are struggling with their businesses right now.
Heck, even I\’ve had my fair share of challenges the past couple years. Most businesses can\’t continue operating the same way they did during an economic boom. When people spend less money, there is less to go around for a staff and other expenses.
But change isn\’t a bad thing. Spring turns to Summer; Summer to Fall; Fall to Winter; and back to Spring again. There is a season for everything and change is inevitable.
The real question is how do you handle change?
And what do you do when times are tough?
There are really only two ways to deal with adversity. You either allow yourself to be positioned as a victim or you rise above the challenges to fight for what you want and believe in.
Those with a victim mentality gripe, whine and complain about their circumstances. They have a strong opinion about why things are so tough and insist on pointing blame at the so-and-so\’s responsible for the mess. They stay safe inside their finger-pointing cocoon. After all, if they are a victim of someone else\’s mistakes then they can keep complaining while not doing anything to help themselves.
But the person willing to go against the flow and swim upstream is the one likely to survive. There are a few reasons for this, most of which are quite obvious. I think it is important to note because I believe adversity creates opportunity!
When the economy takes a turn for the worse people tend to tighten their belts. They cut back on discretionary spending and take far fewer risks.
Business owners cut back on their advertising and marketing budgets. They are setting themselves up to be cannibalized by their competitors who know their fear.
There is just less competition during a financial crunch. Entrepreneurs have the vision to see decreased competition as an opportunity to increase their efforts and not back away from them.
Is there risk? Of course! But you wouldn\’t be an entrepreneur in the first place if you weren\’t willing to take risks.
There have been two times in my Internet business that things looked very bleak. But I knew in my gut that circumstances would improve. I was willing to tough it out and continue pouring into my business awaiting the moment when the tide would turn.
And turn it did.
Both times my persistence and belief helped position me to ride the next wave when it came my way. Had I been more conservative with my efforts during those times I likely would have missed opportunity when it presented itself. I simply would not have been equipped to handle it.
It goes back to the old saying, \”No guts, no glory.\”
You have to take big risks to have a chance at reaping big rewards.
There\’s nothing wrong with revisiting your business model, reevaluating your expenses and making some tough choices when times are tough. But that doesn\’t mean you pack up your bag and go home. It means you examine your core business and attempt to discern what your customers\’ greatest needs are. Then you focus and increase your efforts to meet those needs.
People have problems. You have solutions.
They have questions. You have answers.
I would encourage you to take a good, long look at your business.
Are you doing what you set out to do?
Are you distracted by projects that aren\’t part of your core business?
Are you receiving true value from your employees and contractors?
Are your customers asking for solutions that you can provide?
Are you willing to go against the flow and seek to prosper in spite of a sour economy?
If you are a true believer in your business, you already have what it takes to succeed.
Turn off the television news. They are only there to sell fear. You have no need for them.
Stop reading the papers with their \”doom and gloom\” headlines. The Internet has changed the face of reporting news.
Don\’t be influenced by the negativity that is so prevalent. Instead focus on the task at hand and give it all you\’ve got.
Others may take on the role of Chicken Little and attempt to alert you that the sky is falling.
It isn\’t. And it\’s likely not going to.
Want to know who you have to thank for that?
Hard-working people who persist in their work and fight to succeed.
Are you among that number?
This is your time. Now is your opportunity. Carpe diem, my friends. Carpe diem.
What are your thoughts?