2010 MID-ATLANTIC BUILDINGS & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SHOW & CONFERENCE
27
By Fred Coldwell Where Will You Be When The Music Stops?
In the movie “The Hunt for Red October” the Admiral says “What’s their plan, son.
of what has been going on in the business world the last couple of years, I am sure you are way down the contingen- cies column by now. Although I am a big believer in developing long term (5 year) business plans, this is a day by day battle for survival. Question: What have you done TODAY to ensure you will have business for tomorrow? That is about as short term as you can get. If the answer is nothing, you may not be in the game when the music stops. If you don’t want that to happen, I have a suggestion. Set aside 30 minutes every day, like the first thing in the morning or right after lunch, pick up the phone and call anyone and everyone that may be a source
of business for you. Set a goal of around ten to twenty calls a day. But know what you are going to say in advance, when the gatekeeper answers and when the person you are call- ing gets on the phone. I know, I hate doing this also, but I hate being unemployed and living in a cardboard box even more. Ok, here is another nugget that is almost always over looked. Think that all good ideas come from the top down? Think again. When was the last time you had a brain storming session with your entire staff? Yes everybody, the reception- ist, the secretaries, even the guy in the mailroom if you have one. Ask each one to come up with at least one idea as to how the company can improve it’s
product and/or service, office efficiency, customer service, even where they feel new business can be found. It will be strange for them at first, but once they get into it you may be surprised with the results. Also it makes them feel that they can be part of the solution and they buy into the fact that they are helping the company succeed. The economy will recover. The question is “Will you be around (still in business)” when the music stops. Fred Coldwell has won over 28 marketing awards and has put his experience and advice in a new book Best Little Marketing Book Ever.
The Ruskies don’t take a dump with- out a plan.” Well what is your plan for surviving till next week, next month or even next year?
Fred Coldwell
Hope is good, prayer helps, but I am thinking of something more concrete. Those of you that had a five year business plan with goals, objectives, strategies, action steps and contingencies, I ap- plaud you. However, as a result
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker