Stay Positive

Earlier today, I was watching one of the more prominent morning news shows, on which the special guest was a financial analyst. The analyst spoke about the current state of our economy and was, for the most part, very positive. She went on to say that while most view the current economic sluggishness as a negative, it is during these types of slumps that true entrepreneurship has historically begun to develop as a result of people’s need to finds jobs or ways to increase their own financial stability.

She went on to point out that some of the United States’ most famous innovations came to fruition during the great depression— including Xerography (leading to the Xerox corporation), dry electric razors, Laundromats, car radios and the board game Monopoly.

In response to her profound optimism, the anchor of the show displayed a response that was simultaneously condescending and critical. He quickly diverted attention from the positive financial analyst, and went directly to the other guest — who of course was far less positive and tried his best to convey the media norm of futuristic doom and gloom.

In my opinion, it was the financial analyst who had the right outlook on matters; while things are down right now, as salespeople we must continue to stay positive and focused on creating opportunity. Sometimes we just need to shut off the TV and not read the news. Sales are hard enough without being bombarded by negativity all the time. The reality is, while companies and consumers are definitely taking a more conservative approach to their budgets, they are still spending money every day. Just continue to position yourself as the industry expert and focus on the customer and our rewards will come!