I've
been noticing (and I'm sure you have to), while many companies and
individuals might be struggling right now, that there is also a group
of companies and individuals flourishing. I've also noticed there are
some common characteristics found in these companies and individuals
who seem to be doing well during some of these uncertain times. Here
are five characteristics that stand out:
1)
These companies and individuals operate from a win/win philosophy and
inherently value their business relationships (customers, employees and
vendors). When you understand and appreciate this principle it allows
you to create and receive value both on a short- and long-term basis,
as well as recognize and be in line for new opportunities that begin to
present themselves.
2) These companies and individuals have an entrepreneurial mindset.
Although it's true that when a boom is going on the entrepreneur is
often leading the way, I've also noticed that when the water is high
(things are going good), everything tends to even out (everyone seems
to be doing well). But when it all starts to go south, it is then that
entrepreneurs can rise more quickly and distinguish themselves. Their
ability to take risks, be decisive, recognize and seize opportunity and
to basically "create" allows them to find a way to make things happen.
3) These companies and individuals have an excellent work ethic and
focus. In sports, if you were to ask, who in their respective sport has
been a dominant figure, three immediately come to my mind: Tiger Woods,
Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky. Beyond their remarkable ability and
talent, there is also something about these three that help propel them
to greatness—their fierce competitiveness and their incredible work
ethic. How do you beat the most talented person in the world when they
will also outwork you and have a "will to win" that is not to be
exceeded? Well, the same is true in business. The top performers do not
get complacent. They do not rest on their laurels. And they don't
decide that because they are doing well or are on top that that is good
enough. Their work ethic and drive to be their personal best has
allowed previous victories and momentum to carry over into more success
(even in difficult times).
4) These companies and individuals have made a commitment to succeed.
Making a decision is the prerequisite to all successes. As Jim says,
all good things are upstream, but the natural tendency is downstream.
Commitment creates the mindset that allows us to face challenges, shut
out negative circumstances and discomfort and then move upstream toward
our goals.
5) These companies and individuals operate out of faith. Without faith
it is impossible to take risk. Without faith it is impossible to make
investments of time and effort in the present hoping for a future
reward. And without faith it is impossible to make short-term
sacrifices on a consistent basis. Faith allows you to be free to give
and be your best, knowing that the reward will manifest itself sometime
in the future. Faith also allows you to find the opportunity that often
comes disguised in the form of a problem or challenge. While others are
"missing it" or spending their time and energy complaining, the
person/company of faith is identifying and seizing new opportunities.
Question: How do you rate yourself in these five areas above? I would
estimate much of where you find yourself today could be directly
related to how well you have fared the past few years with the five
points above. The good news is today is a new day, a new opportunity. 
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