Days are getting shorter. It’s dark when I wake up and gets dark earlier. The temperatures are cooler in the mornings. The seasons are changing…
…and apparently no one cares what I think about it because no one called or emailed to ask. I have no control much less influence on the changing seasons.
Ridiculous for me to expect? Of course.
Almost as ludicrous as the conversations I have with business owners about the changes they’re experiencing. Many of us are paralyzed by the virtually daily assault of new realities.
How do you deal with it?
Here are 3 Strategies to Profit from Change:
Believe the Change is Real
Our first reaction to change is usually, “Why? What’s wrong with the previous way?” We crave the familiar. Our brains recognize it and know what to do. Often we weren’t consulted about the need for change or the rationale. “Here is it is. Deal with it” is the usual response to our questions.
Say to yourself, “It is what it is. I may as well make the best out of it.”
Then list the reasons it’s real, i.e., my franchiser said so, that OS is no longer supported, you can’t buy parts for it.
This listing helps you avoid denial, beat back fear, and move forward to believing the change is real.
Bridge from Familiar to Unfamiliar
Now detail the change by starting with what’s familiar. Most likely the change performs the same basic function as something you do currently, just with enhancements. What is that function? List everything included in the change that you recognize even vaguely.
Next describe and list the unfamiliar aspects of the change.
Now connect the familiar to the unfamiliar. What lines up as similar? Your fear and anxiety diminish with this exercise because your cognitive—think brain—overcomes your emotive—feel gut—in recognizing the familiar. You bridge from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
Build to Support the Change
Finally, ask yourself, “What are the opportunities for profit growth?” Perhaps the technology involved allows you to generate business while you sleep by providing improved customer access. Or, maybe productivity grows which maximizes profitability.
Look at the systemic changes necessary and ask, “What must we do to adapt? Who needs training and development? How do we accelerate revenue growth? How can we best leverage new opportunities for profit increase and diversification?”
These questions focus you on the positive dynamics of the change. Think of them as the features you do have control and influence over.
Then implement your answers so you increase sales with greater productivity and get out of the office earlier to do what you love with those you love. Go Work Positive!