Rome, Italy is gorgeous. It's practically a museum that calls itself a city. Amazing. The wonders created during the Roman Empire still are on display there every day--but they are in many cases called ruins.
Talk to a historian about Rome and you'll learn that shortly before its fall, it was not a productive, healthy empire. 300 days a year were spent celebrating festivals, and of course the other days were spent preparing or recovering from them. The citizens didn't do much, they had slaves and other conquered people to do their bidding and their fighting. It was probably fun while it lasted....
At our companies, we have a chance to create or tear down our Roman Empires every day. If we aren't willing and inspired to do the work and dig in to help our clients, then why are we in business at all? If we think that others do the work, and we have positions, not jobs, then what are we headed for?
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
LaBov Sales Channel
PB&J Newsletter
Monday, April 5, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Alternatives to full employment today
As an entrepreneur, I don't feel I have the right (or the time to waste) to judge our government or economy, but it is my responsibility to learn how to have my company succeed in the new economy.
There are lay-offs and outsourcing going on today. There are also some creative opportunities for companies and individuals to play the new economy game.
Since the economy is down and taxes are going up, it will be difficult for corporations to maintain their employee levels. An option is part-timers. There are many employees that would love to reduce their hours (and compensation), this is a positive for all.
An option for an unemployed individual is to market yourself as a 15 to 20 hour a week contractor. That scenario is attractive to companies because that person will likely perform 15 to 20 hours of real value and not cost the company in benefits. If you need full-time pay, you'll need to have a couple of part-time contracting jobs.
Is the direction of the country good or bad? It's a judgment call. But, if the question is, "Can I succeed?" the answer is "yes."
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
LaBov Sales Channel
PB&J Newsletter
There are lay-offs and outsourcing going on today. There are also some creative opportunities for companies and individuals to play the new economy game.
Since the economy is down and taxes are going up, it will be difficult for corporations to maintain their employee levels. An option is part-timers. There are many employees that would love to reduce their hours (and compensation), this is a positive for all.
An option for an unemployed individual is to market yourself as a 15 to 20 hour a week contractor. That scenario is attractive to companies because that person will likely perform 15 to 20 hours of real value and not cost the company in benefits. If you need full-time pay, you'll need to have a couple of part-time contracting jobs.
Is the direction of the country good or bad? It's a judgment call. But, if the question is, "Can I succeed?" the answer is "yes."
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
LaBov Sales Channel
PB&J Newsletter
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Old School Attitude: Not enough budget
Whether you're at a dealership trying to sell a boat or a jet ski or a motorcycle, or you're a supplier dealing with a manufacturer, budget is not what it used to be.
The old-school mantra was, "I can't sell the jet ski because the customer doesn't have the money." Or maybe, "The client says they don't have budget to do this project." Those used to be relatively accurate assessments. No more.
Today if a customer is looking at a jet ski, they are most likely able to buy it, it's just they need to believe it's really worth it--that your dealership is worth it and that you as the salesperson are worth it. Otherwise, they'll leave your store and go somewhere else and they will open up their wallet if they are convinced they're getting a great value.
If you're a supplier, your customers have probably downsized, they've reduced operations, and have retooled their processes. BUT, they still need to sell their product. They have the money IF they're convinced your idea or solution will move the needle. If not, it's easier for them to stand pat and do nothing.
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
LaBov Sales Channel
PB&J Newsletter
The old-school mantra was, "I can't sell the jet ski because the customer doesn't have the money." Or maybe, "The client says they don't have budget to do this project." Those used to be relatively accurate assessments. No more.
Today if a customer is looking at a jet ski, they are most likely able to buy it, it's just they need to believe it's really worth it--that your dealership is worth it and that you as the salesperson are worth it. Otherwise, they'll leave your store and go somewhere else and they will open up their wallet if they are convinced they're getting a great value.
If you're a supplier, your customers have probably downsized, they've reduced operations, and have retooled their processes. BUT, they still need to sell their product. They have the money IF they're convinced your idea or solution will move the needle. If not, it's easier for them to stand pat and do nothing.
It's all about establishing the value. If you do, the money will follow.
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
LaBov Sales Channel
PB&J Newsletter
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