How often have you heard this the past couple of months?

“Our company has posted lower results due to the recession, which is why we are not performing.”

“Business has been slow because there is a recession, which is why I am not performing.”

“Nope definitely need to lock down spending, because we’re in a recession.”

“I am not doing well in life this year because of the recession.”

Most people think they are stating facts that no one else knows. Considering it is on the news, radio, TV, internet and everywhere we interact with people, I am pretty confident that the majority of the population already knows we are in tough economic times.

When someone asks you “Why is your business the way it is today?” Recession is the wrong answer. Look at the inverse, if someone asks “Why is your company doing so well?” and you respond with “People.” That is the wrong answer because all organizations have people. Right now all businesses and individuals are in the same recession.

What individuals or prospects want to hear is what you or your company is doing to weather the storm. Responses with impact not responses with obvious.

Ponder these questions:

• What is your/your company’s mission? If the mission earlier was “To make a profit” or “Help customers”, you’re already losing. Review your mission and find the end specific goal. The Girl Scouts USA Mission Statement is: “Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.” That’s an end goal anyone can focus on.
• What reserves are you or your business building so when the recession is done you’re ahead of the game? Slicing back training to “cut costs”? Cutting training does cut cost, it cuts out of YOUR long term profits! Are you studying or watching television because you had another depressing work day? Who’s winning out of that one?
• Do you have a strong internal “locus of control”. The locus of control is a common term in psychology of why good or bad things happen in people’s lives. Are you not doing well at work because of the recession? Or is it because you aren’t upping your game to the next level? Are you waking up in the morning thinking “It’s cold outside, I think I’ll have a terrible day?” or thinking “I’m excited, another day where I can build my skills and learn something new!” Building a strong internal locus of control instead of external will help you counteract recessionary currents.
• Are you providing value to your network? Do you have a network? Definitely not referring to computer networks! People networks. At times like these, everyone needs all the help they can get, whether the help is something big or small. Be a support beam for others, help others to the fullest effect. That compassion will help you not only get through the days but build ever-lasting and stronger relationships.

Focusing on your personal mission, the buildup of reserves, focused internal locus of control and providing value to your network of individuals you care about are four out of the many techniques you can use to start gaining control back in your life. Here is the consequence of personal development, once this recession turns you will be ahead of the curve and ready to engage while others are late to the game!