Yes, the economy is bad.  Yes, there is a credit crunch.  Of course, customers and clients are cutting back.  But folks, it is what it is.  You can’t change it and blaming all your business troubles on things out of your control is a waste of mental energy.  It makes you a victim of circumstances and when you are a victim you have no power.  So get over it.  Focus on what you can control and what you can do with the resources currently available to you. 

Remember the 1940s hit, “High Hopes?”  The words go like this:  Next time you’re found, with your chin on the ground, there’s a lot to be learned, so look around.  Just what makes that little old ant, think he’ll move that rubber tree plant?  Anyone knows an ant, can’t, move a rubber tree plant.  But he’s got high hopes, he’s got high hopes.  He’s got high apple pie, in the sky hopes.  So any time you’re getting low, stead of letting go, just remember that ant.  Oops there goes another rubber tree plant.

So why is this relevant to your small business?  Ants are small, tiny little creatures, but that doesn’t prevent them from accomplishing amazing results.  Mound building ants can construct hills up to five feet high.  They can lift 20 to 50 times their weight which is equivalent to a 200 pound man lifting between 2,000 – 10,000 pounds over his head.  They build and maintain complex colonies, and they communicate with pheromones – a chemical that triggers a natural behavioral response. (Some perfumes claim to do that with humans.) So even though they are unwelcome guests at picnics, they are resilient and flexible allowing them to survive under perilous circumstances – such as getting crushed by a size 10 shoe.  They don’t dwell on the past, they focus on the future and move on 

My point is the sky isn’t falling and focusing on doom and gloom brings negative energy to your business.  Innovative, resilient companies will not only survive in this economy, but they can also thrive. If ants can build mounds five feet tall and lift weights 50 times their size, then you should have “High Hopes” too.

By the way, the end of the song says:  All problems just a toy balloon, they’ll be bursted soon.  They’re just bound to go pop.  Opps there goes another problem…..kerplop.

Keep a positive attitude and focus on your goals.  Here’s to another "kerplop."