-Play to win. Not a win at any cost attitude, but to make sure I achieve my financial goals.
-Make sure that no matter what the business will be able to endure and maintain operations.
-Maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity or overwhelming odds.
-Manage, grow, and build the skills and expertise of the staff.
The purpose of a business is not to make money but to serve the customer and meet their needs. Fail to give them what they want and nothing can save you. Manage your affairs well and you will have a tidy profit.
Winning at all costs also means you can lose it all too. Improve your odds, look for ways to stay in the game. For example, do not spend your entire marketing budget for a one-month campaign. Hedge your bets by always having plan B ready. Then no matter the result you endure to play another day.
Controlling your emotions in the face of adversity is a creative way to ignore the truth about your situation. Face the brutal truth. Create an action plan that will give you an about face. Make a list of the things that make you feel uncomfortable, things you have been procrastinating about. Make the list, set it aside, then call a trusted friend or adviser and review the list with them. Ask them for suggestions on getting started.
Building employee skills is like an insurance policy that just keeps paying. It protects the customer and your interests at the same time. Having your staff take a customer service course, sales training, and public speaking program will increase their confidence and ability to deal with customers. AS the staff members grow, they make a valuable contribution, and the customers' needs are being met and the quality of the experience improves. This all adds up to happy, satisfied customers.
