Managing Changing Times

Things are changing and change is stressful. It's a different ballgame now and odds are you are expecting to get the same or better results in your company this year as you did last year. But will you? If you try to manage change the same way you've always managed change before, you're in for real problems. In times of transition it's time to make changes which will provide you with opportunities for success.

Success in changing times requires flexibility and adaptability on your part. The secret is not to brace yourself for change, but rather to loosen up and roll with the flow. Flexibility is one of the keys to being successful. Your attitude will also be a major factor in determining your success. Attitude is really one of the few things that you have control over, so keep it upbeat and positive. Change can be aggravating and confusing. It will test your emotional resilience. Anyone can be happy when thing are going well, but the question is what your attitude will be when things get rocky? Can you measure up and continue to perform and seek out those opportunities that change presents?

Focus on your short-range objectives to get the best mileage out of your products or services you provide to your customers. Listen to what your customer wants and keep a tight pulse on those short term goal and accomplishment you have set, don't stray from them. Prioritize and carefully organizes the essential projects you have. You simply may not have enough time or energy to handle everything that comes along so don't be afraid to say “no” so you can take care of those things or customers that count the most.

During the months ahead you need to pay close attention to how your business is functioning. Go looking for bad news. Part of your job as a business owner is to find and then face up to any problems that occur during these changing times. Careful monitoring is essential in order for you to nip any problems head on. Studies have shown that it cost five to six times more to develop a new customer as it costs to keep your current customer base. Make customer satisfaction the top priority. Things may be changing but the need for satisfied customer never changes. So protect the quality of your product or service and make sure your customers are satisfied. - CT