Body and Business
Article reprinted from Professionally Speaking magazine, Winter 2010 issue.
While growing up, my grandmother used to say your body is like a temple. Be careful of the thoughts you dwell on and scrutinize how it is allowed to be treated. Lately, this memory has been on my mind. It made me wonder, what about our business? Are we as selective as we should be when it comes to the strategies we implement, the marketing and promotions we use or the software products we purchase? Do we ensure we are positioned as an expert in our field and take care of our biggest asset, ourselves?
The beginning of every new year seems to be riddled with resolutions. Among the top resolutions made include better emotional, physical and fiscal health management. Although 46% of Americans lose their resolve within the first six months of the year, research shows that people who are resilient and explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals. Oh yes, written and consistently reviewed goals are ways to achieve what you want and at the same time, Shake It Up!
Let’s take a look at physical health. According to the Gallop-Healthways Well-Being Index, Americans exercised less in 2009 than in 2008. The benchmark for this study is based on exercising at least 30 minutes a day three or more times a week. What if we were on an activity regimen like this for our business? Imagine how our performance and productivity would improve if we were to adopt such a practice, if we exercised such discipline?
As NSA/NC member Joanne Black recommends, work on things that are closest to cash. Meaning, the activities that bring you closest to payday get priority. Then consider spending 30 minutes a day three days a week following up on referrals and leads. Meet prospects for coffee with the specific goal of getting to know how you can serve them better and strengthen your relationship. Dedicate this time to identifying and changing, when possible, prospects into clients.
Our business is a precious and vital aspect of our lives. We have to show due diligence in its maintenance and care. There is an old sales adage that says leaders do what needs to be done rather they want to or not. This year, be a leader. Get clear on what and how you feed your business based on your activities. By taking action on a plan, you can reduce stress, keep healthy and fit so you have the energy to Shake It Up!
Karen Walker-Tunoa, 2009-2010 NSA/NC President
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