The more I look around at successful businesses, the more I’m convinced it is a complete, energetic commitment to a goal that enables them to be successful. I could go on and on about this, but this is a Great Idea; it’s designed to be short, quick and to the point. So, I try to keep things short here.

Apple, as an example, continues to thrive in a down economy because of their commitment to innovation and providing tools that make life a little bit easier. I can promise you; they aren’t sitting around planning for a decline in sales. They are trying to find ways to grow sales they are committed to growing. My friend, Judd Powell, runs an extraordinary successful mulch and landscape supply business. He’s my neighbor; I speak to him a couple of times a week and he is “gung ho” about this year. He’s not investing foolishly on things; he’s staying somewhat conservative, but he’s committed to growing and thinking positively. Every time I speak to him, I see the energy and passion he has for his business. He is completely committed to success.

This week, I must ask you. How committed are you to a successful 2011? Have things gotten stale at your place? What would your best customer think if they walked in your office right now? What would they think if they overheard you talking to a friend at the local Starbucks? Would they be impressed with your positive, can-do attitude? Or would they think, “I need to find a new company to work with, those guys are done”?

Success has a lot more to do with your passionate focus than anything else. If you feel like you’ve lost your focus and need some help, call me. We can talk about the process I take small business owners through that helps them see the opportunities that are available and the steps one needs to take to achieve success.

PS Check out the website for information on the Sales & Marketing Symposium to be held in Dayton on March 24th and 25th. (Note: The dates for the event have changed due to a conflict.) This would be an excellent opportunity for your sales team to get some new ideas on selling for this season. The event is on Friday with an optional quick tour of Grunder Landscaping Co. on Thursday afternoon. If you have any questions, feel free to call the office and ask.

It’s winter and for many of us, especially those who live in the north, it’s easy to have a case of the “winter blahs.” I thought I’d give you a few ideas that might help you feel a little bit better. Maybe even energize you to stay focused and work hard to make your business work. Here are 5 ideas:

Get your car detailed. If you see a window where the weather is going to be clear for a few days, go get your car or truck cleaned up and cleaned out. I love doing this; I feel my truck runs better clean but, most importantly, it’s just a nice way to look better. And those who look better, feel better….or something like that.

Start working out. I have so much more energy when I work out than when I don’t, it’s amazing. You can start out by walking; just doing something for 30 minutes, getting your heart rate up is all you need to do. Trust me; it’s a great way to find some energy and knock out the cobwebs.

Have an early dinner with a friend. I haven’t done this in months but in the next couple of weeks I’m going to call Bill, or Mike, or Judd and go to dinner with them at 4:00; laugh…talk about 2011 and be home with the kids by 6:15. I always enjoy this.

Plan a vacation. Lisa and I just found an incredible deal on a really nice condo in Florida for Spring Break. Something to look forward to as an ice storm just hit us hard here in Dayton, Ohio! Find something, even if it’s just a long weekend with your long-suffering spouse/partner.

Spend some time with your hobby. If you like movies, go see one. If you like to fish, go fishing. If you like to golf, go to the heated driving range and hit some balls. If you like to read, take a few of your favorite books and read them. If your family is your hobby, take them to an indoor water park and enjoy them.

Look, you’re working hard. As the Leader of your organization, it’s important you have your head on straight and relax enough so that some new ideas come to mind. CEOs need time to think too.

Finally, read the book The Power of Full Engagement, or listen to it on CD. I really enjoyed the book and got a lot out of it. You will too and by all means, take a few of my ideas above and try them. Tell me how you do. Oh yeah, if you’re on Facebook, please reach out by clicking here for my fan page and here for my personal page.

We just finished our GROW! conference and it was incredible, to say the least. Here are some photos from the event:

If you’d like to buy a complete recording of the event, we are offering that for the next two weeks only. It is $199 for the CD set and after March 1, they will no longer be available for purchase so don’t delay. Click here to order now.

You can also sign up now for GROW! 2012 and save big bucks until April 1st.

My right hand man at Grunder Landscaping Co. put this little lesson on my desk last week. Please read it:

The Two-Dollar Excuse: “We’re getting killed on price. The market is price-sensitive.” Maybe it is. Often, it isn’t.

At our first meeting with a client, we asked them why that had lost business. Their response-the overwhelming favorite of all businesses to this question-was simple: “We’re losing on price.” We contacted their last twelve prospects who chose a competitor instead to ask a simple question: “What do you expect to pay for this product?” Our client’s price was comfortably in the range they considered good, affordable, and fair. But rejecting our client “because of price” is the easiest excuse-and one of business’s great white lies. Price is often the excuse for why you lost, but rarely the reason. Look deeper.
(Source: The Invisible Touch)

How many times do we all say we lost a job “because of price”? I have said it and you have too. Isn’t it time we question that line of thinking and try to find a way to sell a job no matter what stands in our way? Won’t someone buy from you even if your price is the highest? Sure they will, but only if you give them many reasons to do so and show them the TRUE value you bring to the table.

There’s still a little time left to sign up for GROW! 2011. We’re very excited about this year’s speakers. I think you’ll be disappointed if you miss hearing Joe Calloway, Gene Marks, Matt Caruso, Laura Stacks and, of course, me. Check out the details and call me personally if you have any questions. You can sign up online or by calling the office. The VIP registration is almost sold out. So sign up today!