I’m feeling dispirited by all the doom and gloom news. Should I be?

Hi Aunty B,

This is a really tough environment and my staff are getting dispirited that one step forward seems to be two steps back.

I am worried that the targets I have set are now unrealistic in this environment but we can’t afford to change them because it would mean basically going out of business.

I am counting on next year being better but the doom and gloom in the newspapers is so depressing. Do we keep going until then or do I need to do something different?

Dean L,
Melbourne East

Dear Dean L,

What you don’t do is stand frozen like a deer in the headlights with the semi-trailer bearing down on you bleating its horn.

So yes, you need to do something different. What would that be? Well, first you need to get back in touch with your brave inner self that has helped you build the business in the first place. Remember that fearless old you? Get him out and dust him off.

Second, get together with your supporters and mentors. You are looking for support as much as new ideas.

Third, renew your sales efforts. Has the world moved on? Do you need to refresh your value proposition, sales proposition and your marketing?

Fourth, face the fact that you may/will need to cut costs. And that then makes changing your targets easier.

Lastly, stop reading newspapers. They need to peddle doom and gloom to sell copies. Read online, targeted digital media (like SmartCompany) because we don’t need to beat things up.

Oh, and one more thing: next year will be better! You are right. The papers are wrong.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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