Its all over - the world is officially ending tomorrow

It's true the end is nigh - we are officially in the crap, oh the humanity, governments are taking over and will own everything, George Orwells book 1984 is really coming true. Its time for a shovel and a banana skin. Alas, here I was thinking when my ending came, that I would be running stark bollocking naked full bore towards my grave site having nothing left in the world by way of worldly belongings and having just spent my very last few dollars on the finest glass of champagne known to mankind, with the plumpest sweetest strawberries in it screaming Yahooooo what a life and sculling the lot just before I drop dead into the hole in the ground.

OK so I might be going over the top (running naked is bad enough but why would I risk spilling the champagne) - but probably no more than many of the commentators out there or the sad-arse doomsayers. Add to this the fact that we have a bunch of politicians tripping over themselves trying to win our favour for that three yearly tick in the box, (by the way didn't Aunt Helen get rattled the other night in the leaders debate - ouch, she is not used to that).

So things are a little tight at the moment - we can mope or we can get proactive. It is time to review everything and look to smarten up. It is not so much about getting more positive - it is more about being pragmatic. Do some of the basics like:

1. Cleaning house and get everybody using systems correctly
2. Manage costs without going stupid and rationing the toilet paper
3. Manage your client list and pay attention to those who grow your business, put energy into those that have supported you and are likely to continue supporting you
4. Create a target plan that will maximise your talents, skills and experience
5. Keep the energy of your staff up by continuing to train them
6. Look to your staff for answers and efficiencies - they want your business to survive and thrive as much as you do
7. Make sure you are doing the basics better than before, all day, every day, in every way.
8. Create solutions for your customers that will keep them coming back in hard times.

It is the pragmatic and the sensible who will ride out the storm. Panic is a waste of energy and sweat.

I have developed a seminar called 'Switching On When Times are Tough'. There are many basic things that can be done, especially with your staff to keep them motivated. If you are interested in having this seminar in your workplace please call me.