Open for Business

Yesterday, my partners put up this sign at our new business location. It stands out among a bunch of other signs in our complex that display the word, "available". The person we chose to make our sign has been doing business with us since Zoom opened five years ago. He told us that it is not a great time to be in the sign business these days.

Before this sign went up, many other sign people approached us asking for our business. We politely told them we were being taken care of. It is hard to say no to all the sales reps who knock on our door because we know first-hand just how tough it is out there to find new customers.

As my partners were posting this sign, we talked about the importance of keeping your attitude up in a down economy. Experts say that it is a numbers game, the more doors you knock on, the better your odds for success. It is more than just knocking on doors. The people who are still in business today have adapted. They figured out how to stand out and survive. They learned how to offer a message that is irresistible.

We have seen a number of salespeople who are depressed. They may be knocking on our doors but their body language tells us that they have already given up. They don't realize that they are their own worst enemy.

Before you face the world today, make sure you look in the mirror and ask yourself what your sign says. Most people can see this sign even before you speak. Your body language tells the world that you are open for business...