Your Game Plan for Success
We are facing difficult times all over the world. A tiny unseen virus has crippled the economy and crashed 
world markets. Schools and businesses closed, restaurants are serving “takeout” only, and most people are simply waiting on the sidelines of life. For most people in the world, it is a time of fear, doubt, and an excuse to be lazy, but you cannot give in to the widespread despair!
From every tragedy, every hardship, there always emerge opportunities. I refuse to sit on the sidelines and act as if the game of life is beyond my control. When we face an overwhelming opponent, we never concede defeat, but rather create a “better game plan.” Regardless of the business you are in, you CANNOT quit! It’s time for a better game plan! Ready?
A great game plan requires knowing your opponent and the strengths and weaknesses they possess. The strength of this unseen opponent is a highly contagious nature. Strategy? Do all the things necessary to prevent the spread of this unseen opponent. Keep a distance from others, use disinfectants, carry wipes, avoid crowds and stay positive. The weakness of this opponent is your utilization of knowledge and discipline in all you do. It is a mindless opponent that cannot react to common sense and diligence.
Use the offensive weapons at your disposal. The most important thing you can do is help your customers, let them know you care and show your customers and prospects you are making the most of the current situation. Here are your offensive weapons for success:
- Positive communication: There is an old saying, “No one cares what you know until they know that you care.” This is a perfect time to call your customers and let them know you were “thinking about them” and wanted to touch base.
- Come up with a few “trick plays”: For example, if someone needs something handled in person, tell them in advance how you will keep them safe by providing “Service Without a Touch,” meaning they can leave their items and you will complete all the paperwork remotely as well as totally disinfect their items when finished. They can bring it in and pick it up without a touch!
- Take this time to educate yourself: Here are three books worth reading that may give you ideas to touch your connections in new, ways that still provide value:
- What Great Salespeople Do by Michael Bosworth – This is a scientific approach to selling through “emotional connection.”
- YouTube Secrets by Sean Cannell and Benji Travis – How can you best stay in front of your connections without being face-to-face? Video! The best place to do that, of course, is YouTube!
- The Referral Engine by John Jantsch – This is a commonsense book that turns getting referrals into a strategy.
This is a great time to gain a better understanding of all the modern tools that are at your disposal. Social media is certainly important from a personal perspective, but it is a powerful tool for business. Here is a quick checklist to help grow your various opportunities:
- Do you have a Facebook Fan Page for your business? It’s free and can be a game-changer!
- Do you have both a business and personal Linkedin account and are you using it on a weekly basis to promote your business and connect with others? During this more difficult time, increasing your efforts to make more personal connections! When times get tough, get tougher!
- Set up a business YouTube account and then read “YouTube Secrets.”
- Look at Alignable, a business-to-business social media site similar to Linkedin.
- Start a newsletter like this one that allows you to stay “top of mind” with your customers and prospects. Remember, “The road to the extra mile is never crowded.” Do what others don’t and you will get what others don’t, more success!
Finally, you are in a very special game, the game of life. There is no quitting if you want to make it to the championship. Now is not the time to give in or give up, now is the time to take action. This is the time to set yourself apart from the crowd!