MC writes:
“TC, please share with everybody what you think we should all be focusing on in the upcoming year. With markets changing in all industries, is there a common thread that we can all gain insight from when planning our strategies for this year?”

Thank you, MC, and Happy New Year! I have become much more “zen-like” in my approach to planning and strategy.

It seems like more things happen when I’m not thinking about them. When driving, if I am busily working out my time frame and planning my routes, the lights all seem to turn red. If I simply drive in the moment, they all seem to be green.

“Letting go” is a concept that most businesspeople will scoff at, but it’s working for me. For example, when I meet with a potential client now, I attempt to simply listen well and not stress over whether they will be my client or not. And, more times than not, they become my client. If I start thinking about how much money I am going to make or all the things they should be doing, they generally fade away. That being said, this is what I would do in 2009:

1. Find your uniqueness and continually, consistently market that to everyone [with passion].
2. Hone your customer service skills. Caring about the customer appears to be dying out in our current society. If you sincerely care, people will notice.
3. Study, read, learn, grow. Strive to be better than you were yesterday.
4. If you have to set goals, don’t have a heart attack over them. Remember, your entire life is summarized on a 2-inch “hyphen” chiseled into your gravestone. Take the time to enjoy the moment.
5. Let Life Happen….and please let me know how it all turns out this coming year.

Ciao for now….TC

If you have a question for Terry Chester (TC), please email them to terry – [at] – adbiz.com or feel free to leave a comment.