Survive and Thrive by Discovering a New You

By Beverly Inman-Ebel

Companies both big and small are continuing to downsize, close facilities and impose hiring freezes. The government is stepping up to grasp this monster of a recession and turn its ugly head around. But most of us are not going to receive a bailout. We are on our own. Yes, we need a stimulus package. The truth is, we need to create it for ourselves.

As a business owner or executive, you have reached a time to make changes that matter. If you keep doing what you have been doing, you may lose what you have. Now is the time for creative thinking, getting outside the box and discovering a new you.

Begin by keeping track of what you do every day. Get a journal and track your activities each day, even what you are thinking and eating. You will be surprised how much of your time is spent on negative thoughts and actions. And remember, you are what you think and what you do.

Make a list of affirmations. An affirmation is something that you want to be true. Make sure you follow these rules: 1) Use the first person ("I am confident," not "They’ll see my confidence.") 2) Use the present tense rather than the future. ("I have three new customers," not "I will get three new customers.") 3) Avoid using negative words. ("I listen," not "I don’t do all the talking.")

Begin and end your day making these affirmations. Add visualizations so that you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste success. In other words, daydream. Focus on what you want and you are more likely to get it.

Next, make a list of what makes your company unique. What experiences have made you who you are? How can these interests be combined to bring new zest into what you have to offer?

My company has been very successful in providing communication training, coaching, and seminars. When the economy went south, many of our customers slashed their budgets for training. We realized that our strength wasn’t just in this area; rather, we knew how to bring permanent and positive change to people. We connected with a bank trainer and labor lawyer and now create new courses to help banks thrive and to help businesses protect against labor unions.

Begin collecting names and contact information of people that you know. Don’t hold back! Brainstorm and create lists from co-workers, past customers and vendors, friends and acquaintances. Utilize social electronic networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Let them know you are looking to expand your horizons and begin the conversation of creativity. From this list of contacts, you can identify several people who will likely join you in your quest to reinvent yourself.

If you are thinking of starting a business, the May 2009 AARP Bulletin lists the hot businesses in this economy -- beauty schools, car service centers, shoe repair shops, thrift shops, pawnshops and massage and yoga practices.

While the Internet is the great equalizer and allows micro businesses to compete with the big boys, there is also a trend in this economy to purchase locally. Know your neighbor. Get out and mingle at Chamber events and business and civic organizations. Become involved; don’t just show up and pass out business cards. It’s all about relationships.

Last February I participated in a

Small Business Summit in Washington,

D. C. as a member of the National Women’s Business Council. As the financial forecasters gave their glum predictions, one by one, small business owners took the microphone to set them straight. These entrepreneurs gave testimony of positive change in the economy.

It makes sense that small businesses that can change quickly will be the pulse for the economic future. Be part of the solution by being willing and daring to change. You may be amazed at what you are able to accomplish.