by Jim Cathcart

Well, I did it again. I listened to the broadcast news reports. Wow, these folks are good at instilling fear! Even our president is being pessimistic rather than inspiring. Remember the FDR line, “the greatest thing we have to fear is….”?

It’s baaack.

Right now we need to be very intentional about bringing hope and solutions to others. The last thing we need is another advertisement or sales call that begins with “I know things are tough right now….” People do not need for you and me to remind them of what they fear. They need for us to show them the path to what they want. 

We need to be a Solution Source for others. People need motivation today more than anytime in recent memory. They are looking to us for a way out of this mess. They don’t want discounts and fire sales, they want solutions!!!!!! 

Here is a strategy that may help you to help others. In your next meeting, phone call, sales presentation, email message or speech preamble…begin with hope, not situation analysis.

  • Start by showing people what is right, what is working and what is possible. 
  • Then find reasons to praise and compliment them. Point out what good they have done. 
  • Acknowledge their resources, help them count their blessings. 
  • Focus on the positive even in the negatives. And be real, not superficial. 
  • Talk with people about what they can do, not what they can’t. 
  • Avoid the desperation attempts of price slashing and cutting back in your outreach. 
  • Double the amount of time you spend reaching out to others. Then double it again. 
  • Get off your butt, onto your feet, out of the shade and into the heat! 
And be very careful who you spend time with. Diminish your contact with toxic people who just want you to join in their Pity Party. Start each day with an inspirational message: books, tapes, tv, iLearningGlobal online, etc. 
Become the most optimistic and realistic person in the room, every time. No matter what others do, you become the one who looks UP, who says, “here is something we CAN do”, etc. 
As you increase your own faith and optimism, others will want to be around you more. Some of them will be inspired to join you as a solution source. Some will buy from you. Some will follow your lead. Some will refer you to others. And some will give you rewards. 
Now is not the time for “Realists” who simply tell us about the limitations of current circumstances or the looming clouds on the horizon. Now is the time for Optimists who say, “There is always a better way. Let’s find it.” 
Whether this photo looks like a sunrise or a sunset depends upon your point of view. May all of your sunsets be the beginning of an enjoyable and restful evening and may all of your sunrises be the dawn of a day of prosperity and hope. 
Drop me a note and tell me how this is working for you. 

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