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Don't just stand around watching- Do
something!
Well, we’ve done it. We’ve managed to alienate one another
beyond belief. Republicans/Democrats. Government
Bureaucrats/Tax-Paying Citizens. Tea party Members/People with
Common Sense (I had to do that!). Employers/Employees….
Too many employers have cut beyond the bone- and are expecting the
remaining employees to work double time for no change in wages.
Employees are scared s……s to leave. But, even though the
economy is improving (now, we just need everyone to feel the relief-
numbers don’t change psychology), we need to re-adjust to the new
normal and grow from here. Employers are going to have to pay
more- because they need people to be able to buy their products.
Employees are going to have to adjust to the fact that the standards
of living are different- and lower. We can’t spend money we
don’t have- at the citizen level, at the employee level, at the
leadership level, or at the government level. So, what do we
do?
First of all, we MUST focus on RESULTS. That does not mean pie
in the sky objectives, but real numbers. We need to make a
profit- period. We need to pay for performance- period.
That means employees, owners, officers, government, EVERYBODY.
We need to get the job done. Forget about the old
schedules, pay grades, seniority- and care about results and
attitude.
Secondly, we must recognize that we are NOT omnipotent- as a country
or as a company. Competition was always an issue- now, it’s
the norm- and it will increase from across the street, across the
pond, and across the glove. We must consider real choices- do we
spend money on furniture- or bonuses? Do we buy more office
supplies or trucks? Forget the same categories and deal with
the bottom line. A few years ago, we talked (no one seemed to
listen J)
about sun-setting and zero- based budgeting. Stop talking- and
do it – now. You will become the most competitive entity in
the marketplace.
Third, examine the assumptions you live by. The sure thing
is…. NOT! Toyota is tops in quality? Hyundai makes
terrible cars? (I have a bridge for you in Alaska if you still
believe this.) Question all your assumptions- rebuild your
thinking to match reality. And, make sure your reality is
where you live.
Fourth, marketing is not what someone else
does. You need to market yourself, your company, and your
vision.
Finally, DO IT NOW! The economy has shifted- and the opportunities
are flowing. Herd your opportunities, now.
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