With all the uncertainty in the markets, people are anxious.
It's only natural to be concerned about how changing financial conditions will affect you.
However, in challenging times, it's even more important to shift the focus from yourself to your customers/clients. Lead with their needs and best interests in mind.
Ask new questions.
Lead your clients to new solutions that address their most pressing issues. Ask questions like:
- What new challenge are you facing?
- What new opportunities do you anticipate?
(I really like this question because it helps remind people that there ARE new opportunities out there if you look for them.) - What kind of support or expertise would be most helpful to you now?
- What changes do you anticipate over the next year or so?
- What more can we do for you, if anything?
At the same time, here are actions to take when you start to worry.
- Seek out the strong.
- Increase your exposure to people who are resilient -- those who experienced adversity and emerged with strength.
You may also find books or videos that offer just the motivation you need to build your own strength. Include them in your daily or weekly routine. Avoid those people who project fear -- those who give excuses for not being able to accomplish their goals. Instead of cocooning, start communing. In stormy times, you probably want to take cover. Get out there. Pay attention to the community you're creating for yourself. Attend events that attract entrepreneurs and forward thinking executives. You'll keep your energy strong and ideas flowing. Even in times of uncertainty, you can control the climate that helps you grow.
Steady yourself.
To do this, manage your own mindset first. Be prepared to take action in the face of fear. Just as a tightrope walker keeps his focus on the goal, so can you as you take steps toward your goal. Slow down.
Take one step at a time. Adjust your balance if you have to, but keep moving forward. Mindset management is an ongoing process -- not a one-time act.
Nurture your mindset. Reset.
At times, your mindset needs a reset. Hit the reset button, especially when you find it more difficult to believe that you can achieve your goals. Stop negative thinking that holds you back.
What's the one belief you can return to as part of your own reset process? Don't let today's news throw you off balance.
Your mindset will be evident to those you lead. That's even more reason to pay attention to it. Take control of your mindset. You'll take control of your market at a time when your competition may be too afraid to make a move.
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