Not a single entrepreneur or self-employed person I know would disagree that the world economic situation is changing rapidly. None of us have before faced the possibility that the United States would lose its long-revered AAA credit rating – something that has implications for entrepreneurs of every nation, not just American small business owners. At the same time, more than one European country is facing a debt crisis that won’t be solved without severe financial repercussions in job markets, real estate, and other investments.
In an article in the Wall Street Journal a few days ago, the head of the Euro rescue fund pointed out “No one knows what happens when the biggest economic power in the world ceases to pay interest on its debt. That has never happened before. That would shake the world economy to its core.” The same article stated “Companies are starting to fret about the effect of the stalled U.S. debt talks on their business.” Even if the debt ceiling crisis is now put to rest, the issue has been solved only temporarily. And the debt crisis in Europe is using band-aid measures without solving the core issue, too.
All this reminds me of that Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times.” When things shift in a fundamental, profound way old conventions and believes shatter, and that creates opportunities that can directly benefit entrepreneurs. It takes the right mindset to see the opportunities, though. Here are 3 ways to benefit instead of losing.
- Let go of your prior beliefs about how things are supposed to work. Clinging to how you’re always done business, or how your sales cycle has always worked, keeps you from seeing completely new ways to get business or to offer new products and services to existing customers. What you thought you would never do might, in fact, become exactly your best new income stream.
- Avoid spending your life’s energy finding who is to blame. Also avoid spouting off angrily about how someone’s actions or inaction has impacted your bottom line. Your energy is better spent listening intently for what is going to happen and then tracking how events can be used to your benefit.
- Get it, really get it, that change always opens the door for new opportunities. Even though you might be sad or regret what no longer works in your business, there is a great opportunity to benefit financially when times are uncertain. In fact, it is exactly these kinds of times that create the most opportunity for creative and innovative products and services. You’ll spot them more quickly if you continue to build relationships and develop new ones. To quote myself from a blog post a few years ago, the trick is to step back from our attachment to what we wanted. So long as we bind up our energy in holding on to our preferences and desires, there is little energy free to see the possibilities embedded within change.
If you think that there are NO good opportunities in the new order of things, it is a sure sign that you are clinging to your wants. Sometimes, we cling to our point of view for or against the change very strongly, talking about it and trying to prove our point of view over and over again. Often, this is a defense against feeling and letting go of the strong emotions we hold toward someone or something. Our energy is stuck until we are willing to let go of the emotions and the belief in structures that no longer work. If you are the brave entrepreneur who consistently works toward that, you will be one of the ones who benefits even in the midst of economic crisis.
Janice says
August 9, 2011 at 12:06 pmSue,
Thank you so much for the insight. I so sorry to hear you are moving, but happy for you at the same time. I have heard so many good things about you for several years in Knoxville and just recently heard you speak in Maryville. What an opportunity Nashville will be for you.
Best Wishes,
Janice Graves
Sue says
August 9, 2011 at 8:08 pmJanice, I still maintain an office in Knoxville and hope we’ll run into each other there when I’m in town. Thanks so much for your good wishes.
Tiffany deSilva says
August 7, 2011 at 9:43 amVery timely and thoughtful post. Thank you for reminding us of the power of a positive and proactive mindset.
Sue says
August 7, 2011 at 12:54 pmThanks, Tiffany.
Heidi Alexandra Pollard says
August 7, 2011 at 5:30 amLove this post Sue – and love the comments – love Linda’s metaphor of the trapeze too and Jeff I want to know more about your model!
In particular Sue I agree with avoiding spending your life’s energy finding who is to blame. Time and energy are precious resources – we can spend them in much more productive ways!
Renee says
August 3, 2011 at 11:08 pmGreat reminders Sue!! I know way to many entrepreneurs who have been successful in the hard economic times. So often it becomes an excuse instead of doing whatever it takes!
Linda Pucci says
August 2, 2011 at 9:53 amThank you, Sue for such a timely post! It is so true that when people cling to what they wanted life to be (and isn’t), they miss opportunities to move forward into something completely new. I appreciate your inspiration to move forward. There are always more adventures and opportunities to find but you have to let go of the old ways sometimes! It reminds me of trapezes–you have to let go or you just swing back and forth getting nowhere.
Sue says
August 3, 2011 at 1:26 amNever thought about it like trapezes but you’re right – it’s a great metaphor, Linda.
Mary Ellen Miller says
August 1, 2011 at 4:02 pmThank you Sue. This reminds me of one of my father’s (now deceased but a life long entrepreneur) favorite expressions: “The only thing constant in life was change.” Boy, was he right!
Jeff Brunson says
August 1, 2011 at 11:36 amWhat great encouragement; to place our energy in a positive way, and place it on what we can do something about – our own thoughts and actions!
As I read through your post, I couldn’t help but be very thankful that my business model found me. Not my business plan, but my model. My model is a 3-point structure that leverages ‘who I am.’ This model keeps me focused on how I must continue to evolve to accomplish my purpose.
Thanks for making me ‘see’ this as I read your thoughts.
Jeff
Sue says
August 1, 2011 at 12:58 pmI think for a lot of self-employed people their “model finds them.” It takes time and patience to wait it out!
Sue
Deborah Genovesi says
August 1, 2011 at 10:44 amWell said Sue! I especially like #2–with this latest political crisis, and amping up of the drama by the media (as usual), many Americans, including businesspeople, are spending too much wasted time on the Blame Game and it is not productive.
Sue says
August 1, 2011 at 11:20 amHi Deborah,
I think no one plays the blame game like Americans do, truly! And I totally agree, it’s negative and unproductive. Thanks for your comment.
Kristina Shands says
August 1, 2011 at 8:33 amAwesome post, Sue. I especially love the advice that change always opens the door for new opportunities. I really appreciate your insight and reminder to stay positive and look for new paths to grow.
Sue says
August 1, 2011 at 8:39 amIt’s tough to do sometimes, Kristina, at least for me. But also always helpful when I can!
Sue
Joy says
August 1, 2011 at 8:19 amGood stuff Sue. 🙂
Sue says
August 1, 2011 at 8:38 amThanks, Joy. You rock!