On the earliest audiotapes I listened to back in the 80’s I remember Wayne Dyer describing an airport scene when his flight was canceled. Everyone around him was angry, cursing, bemoaning the trouble this was causing them. He, on the other hand, was on the phone with his travel agent (pre-Expedia/Orbitz self-booking flights days) who immediately got him on another flight to the same destination.
It’s an attitude thing, which is proving to be more and more important than ever. One of my clients, a photographer who also works in the film business, is currently working on the only film being shot in Connecticut. Another client, Realtor Pam Toner pictured above with me, just sold a house. We all know how unusual that is.
Someone is getting the business and it might as well be you. Keep taking the actions. Keep showing up. Keep delivering your gifts to the world. There are opportunities and clients out there. Why shouldn’t it be you serving them?
Yes, I agree with you completely…Everywhere you look there’s an opportunity ready to be explored. It’s definitely the right attitude. Interesting post- Thanks,
Lucy
@Lucy
Thanks so much for your comment!
Jane – exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you for the inspiration.
@Amanda
I love the inspiration of this, too! Thanks for checking in–
Jane,
It’s funny that you should give a travel example. Being a travel agent (and a travel agency owner), we have to really be quick on the draw to come up with answers to solve clients’ issues quickly. We also have to be creative in acquiring business in not only these times, but any time.
I hear other agents complain all the time about not having enough business and that business has slowed. But to me, since airplanes are still going out full, cruise ships are full to capacity, and hotels have no space available at times, the only way to get that business is to be creative and go out there and sell to those people that are travelling. Somebody’s servicing their business needs, and it may as well be me. So don’t sit around and gripe; sit down and think of new campaigning ideas, and go out and get that business.
Mag
President
Bridgetown Travel Agency
http://www.bridgetowntravelagency.com
Hi Jane-
I agree with you, and your words of inspiration this morning confirmed my feelings. Carrie and I had a kickoff meeting with a new client yesterday. they interviewed six firms and chose us to create their brand. I believe doing good work, leads to more good work. I also believe going the extra mile and giving 300% in any economy is a sure way to keep your business stable. Thank you, I am hopeful about what 2009 will hold for all of us.
@Mag
Spoken like a person who sees the glass half full! Thank you for your perspective and wisdom.
@Melissa
Congratulations! And thank you for the additional validation of this belief.
I am experimenting with being more flexible about payment. In one case an old church was going after a grant and I agreed to wait several months for my first nickel when the grant money is in hand. I had been marketing to them for several years and saw a little window of service that could be a test drive for both of us.
A little risky due to the state funding of the grant.
However, climbing around in an 1840 church attic on a snowy day is certainly more fun than sitting at my desk watching the snow fall and wondering where January’s billeable hours will come from.
Time is not Money, if all you have is Time!
@Jay
Well said! Everyone wins when we think like this: checking out those ‘windows of service’ as a test drive. Love that! Thanks!