The Tribune

By Scott Farrington

CHOICE, what a powerful word that is. Here are five ways to sink or swim with your business ship.

1. Stay glued to the news and, like most people watching a natural disaster, you will let the spin of doom and gloom drive you crazy morning, noon and night.

Or you can CHOOSE to focus even harder on doing things such as training, selling and promoting yourself or your business.

1. Stay Confused. You can operate in the fog of money or CHOOSE to see through the fog so you can get out of it.

Money used to be simple years ago, but nowadays it has gotten pretty complicated. Learn to read a financial statement; learn the difference between a real asset and liability. Learn how to earn money in any economy.

1. Believe you cannot sell or do not have to sell.

Everyone has to sell; it does not matter who you are. You CHOOSE. The Small Business Administration in the US in April 2008 predicted that 82 per cent of small businesses will fail by 2012, and that was before the credit @#$^&&^%#@# hit the fan.

The biggest fear in any business is that no one will show up, call or buy their product. This is a real possibility. Pt Barnum said it properly: “Without promotion something terrible happens – NOTHING.”

What am I doing writing this article? I need to be out selling. Hmmmmm. Whether selling products, ideas, recruiting or obtaining funds, the skill is the same. Learn it.

1. Blame the Government. Stop blaming, PERIOD. Most, not all, think the Government owes them something or blames their situation on the Government.
   

I’ll let the sleeping dogs lie on that one. However, one thing I do know is that I stopped blaming people long ago for any event that occurred in my life. My greatest enemy is myself. Not my competition, not the guy under-invoicing, not a government staff member enforcing rules for some and not others. These are the excuses I have heard.

So we can CHOOSE to focus on them or focus on solutions.

1. Looking for quick fixes. I’m sure we would all like to win the lottery and get rich quick. Before, everyone was looking to get rich quick, and now they are looking for the escape hatch. Look at all the Ponzi schemes. Look at all the banks and businesses. If anyone has a silver bullet to get rich quick, bring it to me, because I have the gun for it!

The best investment one can make is in him/herself and your team. Seek books, audio tapes, teachers, mentors that can teach you to drive toward success. This will improve your income and quality of life.

I have to go now, because if I do not I will blame the newspaper for my lack of income. I have got to go and sell. All of these marketing strategies are certain to keep your business on top during these challenging economic times. Have a productive and profitable week

• NB: Scott Farrington is president of SunTee EmbroidMe, a promotional and marketing company specialising in uniforms, embroidery, silk screen printing and promotional products. Established over 27 years ago, SunTee EmbroidMe has assisted local businesses from various industries in marketing themselves. Readers can contact Mr. Farrington at SunTee EmbroidMe on East Shirley Street or by e-mail at scott@sun-tee.com or telephone at 242-393-3104.