Looking Ahead To 2008

As I look back proudly on what turned out to be a very successful 2007, I want to thank all of you who helped us along the way. To our speaking clients who gave me the opportunity to address their audiences; to our new private podcast clients, who have helped us find a new successful, efficient yet cost-effective way to deliver information and inspiration to their far-flung sales forces; and to those of you who purchased our educational products. I hope we have lived up to your expectations and have helped you and your companies become even more successful.

But now, a new year is about to begin and with it, all the optimism and anticipation that comes with it. I know I’m excited about 2008, because I can’t wait to build on all the success we achieved in 2007. I hope you feel the same way, because you should. Every new year brings new opportunities to those who are ready, willing and able to take advantage of them, no matter the circumstances.

As you begin your journey through the new year, remember: don’t listen to all the negative people who will be bombarding you from every angle. For months I’ve been hearing predictions of a recession in 2008 and all I can say to that is: “Who the hell cares!” That has nothing to do with me and it should have nothing to do with you, unless you let it.

You know as well as I do, no matter what is going on in the economy there are people who will do well and those who will not. Heck, even during the depression, there were people who made fortunes: How does that happen? It happens because successful people will always be successful, no matter the economic conditions.

I am convinced that during recessions (and this is not a prediction, because I don’t listen to predictions), salespeople stop selling long before clients stop buying. All I know is, I hope my competition listens to all the “gloom and doomers,” because it will make it a lot easier for me to do business.

Beware of the losers! They will try and drag you down with them. Why? They need company. They don’t want to see you do well. They would rather have you fall down to their depths, than work hard to keep up with your success. They’re not trying to protect you from failure; they’re trying to detour you from success.

So turn off the TV, pop in the ear plugs, put on those blinders and let’s charge straight ahead into what I know can and will be a tremendous 2008! (OK, OK, so I made a prediction.)

Goal Setting Techniques That Work

First, I want to thank everyone who has helped make Prospecting Skills That Work a success! Your feedback has also been great about seminars that you would like to see in this format. This is why very soon we’ll be releasing Goal Setting Techniques That Work: How to Create a Five Year Action Plan for Your Life. Below is a preview of the new DVD. If you know you need to get clear about your future, but haven’t yet clarified your vision, this program will give you the tools and motivation you need to get started now. This DVD will be available in the coming weeks, so check for updates.

Starting Your Own Business: What to Expect Part II

In the second of this two part series based on Discover Card’s “Small Business Watch,” we’re looking at information derived from small business owners that will better prepare you to take that next step into entrepreneurship. Here are some things you might not know but better be prepared for:

• Nearly one of three business owners, 31 percent, indicated they work at least 10 hours or more per day on average. Only out of five non-business owners, 19 percent, worked the same each day.
• 15 percent of small business owners work every day of the week, more than twice as many, 6 percent, as the general population. Similarly, 28 percent of small business owners work six days a week, compared to 15 percent of the general population.
• Nearly half of small business owners, 47 percent, said that they always or mostly work on official holidays.

So if you’re used to a 9 to 5 life, think twice before starting a business.

• More than half of the business owners, 52 percent, took seven days or less off work last year, compared to 36 percent of the general population.
• 59 percent of small business owners define a “day off” as being available for calls and emails, working some time or even working all day at a remote location. Only 32 percent of the general population does the same.
• More than half of small business owners, 55 percent, said their spouses approve of them checking email when they are off from work, compared to 37 percent of the general population.
• “Small business owners are really focused on serving their customers every day. Our survey found that 40 percent of them carry wireless devices to keep in touch with their customers and clients when off work." “Being a small business owner often means that you are always open for business.”

When you’re a small business owner, your life is your business and your business is your life. It’s not even a matter of overlapping; they are totally intertwined.

Also, if you already own a small business or you’re thinking about starting one, then check out our new small business consulting service and give us a call for a free initial consultation.

A Culture of Quick Fixes

The other night I was watching TV and saw a commercial for Immodium AD, an over the counter medication that has been used for years to treat diarrhea.

What got me was: the voice on the commercial was recommending Immodium AD for people with persistent, constant or chronic diarrhea. This stuff is not a cure; it’s a quick fix, till the next time it happens.

If this is a constant problem how about looking at your lifestyle and changing some of the things you eat. Most likely all it would take would be a small long-term sacrifice; a small change in your eating habits and this problem would go away.

The only thing that I’ve ever consumed in my life that gave me heartburn was coffee. So guess what I did? Right, over 20 years ago I cut it out and I stopped getting heartburn. Did I like coffee? Yes I did; but I hated heartburn a heck of a lot more than I liked coffee.

The point is, it just seems much easier and hassle free to do the old quick-fix and pop a pill, so to speak. No sacrifice involved on your part. But the problem is, for the things we really want in life, you will have to make some kind of long term sacrifice to achieve them.

It’s hard to almost impossible to lose weight, and keep it off, without changing your eating habits along with a consistent exercise program. It’s extremely difficult to achieve financial independence without some short term sacrifices (eating out, expensive vacations, fancy cars, etc.), that will allow you to invest more in your long term future. And don’t even think about going into your own business unless you’re willing to lay it all on the line and sacrifice everything you have in order to achieve long-term, long-lasting success.

But if you just want to “Pop a pill,” live for today and worry about tomorrow at some other time, that’s fine too. It’s your choice. Just don’t complain when the bill comes due and you’re running to the bathroom with pains in your stomach.

What are you willing to give up to get what you really want?

Own, Operate & Grow Your Own Business: Part III

Learn why starting business owners have to be their own best salesperson as well.

Own, Operate & Grow Your Own Business: Part II

You’ve answered the “why?” Now it’s time to figure out the “how?” Listen in as Warren explains a number of fairly safe and not-so-safe ways to finance a small business and the various risks involved. Also, why you need to stock up on disability insurance.