Maguire Here. Just some thoughts on where we are today…

If you’re doing business today like you were a year ago, you’re out of business. Remember the definition of insanity…Doing the same things and expecting different results. Today’s realities are definitely not yesterday’s. It’s time for a reality check.

Now is the time to carefully re-examine your business objectives, re-tool them, and re-shape your destiny.

Now is the time to take into account the realities of today’s business climate and determine the best way for you to re-establish your brand, reach out to your customers and grow your business.

Now is the time to wipe the slate clean and ask yourself:

1) What business am I really in?

2) Who are my core clients?

3) How have current economic changes impacted my original business plan?

4) What are the steps required for adjustment?

Now is the time to take stock of your resources.

Now is the time to re-educate yourself. That means READ.

A wise man – I think it was Oscar Wilde — once said “One who can read books, but doesn’t, is on a par with one who can’t read at all.”

A short list of books that will provide immediate insights?

THE NEW RULES OF MARKETING & PR by David Meerman Scott

THE SPEED OF TRUST by Stephen Covey

PAVING IT FORWARD by Elizabeth Fayt

TOUGHER TIMES by Hutt Bush and Keith Ferrell

Oh, one more…YOU’RE THE GREATEST by some guy named Frank Maguire.

Now is the time to fully address the key challenges of your new “orientation”:

The Employee Challenge: Convince your employees that they are the company. If you are your company…convince yourself. Because you are.

The Management Challenge: Convince your employees that you, all of you, shall prevail…and believe it. Because you will.

The Customer Challenge: Make your customers feel like you are on their payroll. Because it works.

The Supreme Challenge: Believe in YOURSELF.

That’s enough to think about for now. More next time.

Perfection is being right.

Excellence is willing to be wrong.

Perfection is fear

Excellence is taking a risk.

Perfection is anger and frustration.

Excellence is powerful.

Perfection is control.

Excellence is spontaneous.

Perfection is judgement.

Excellence is accepting.

Perfection is taking.

Excellence is giving.

Perfection is doubt.

Excellence is confidence.

Perfection is pressure.

Excellence is natural.

Perfection is the destination.

Excellence is the journey.

Strive for excellence, my friends. Perfection is overrated.