Feedback Form
Home Features Mastermind Forums About Advertise Blog Network Contact Be An Author

Rise and Shine

Rise and Shine

In today’s uncertain times, I constantly hear people gripe about how “business is slow, nobody’s buying” and “everybody’s cutting back.” I also have a lot of people ask, “What can I do to ignite my sales and move my business in a positive direction.” The answer I give them is simply this “People are still buying; they’re just not buying from you. If you want to start selling again you have got to Rise and Shine.”

For too long, many salespeople and business owners have been on the proverbial “gravy train.” Supply was less than demand and people got away from effective business basics. Salespeople forgot to sell and business owners forgot the meaning of customer service and flat out hustle. Besides, why should anyone hustle when business is lined up?

When I was a kid, I was fortunate enough to learn the meaning of hard work. My parents raised me and my three sisters in the country and we had plenty of chores. We had a farm with animals and gardens and yes, my Dad believed that everyone should do their fair share. He also made sure we took pride in our work and finished every chore to the best of our abilities.

I remember many mornings when dad would yell down the hall, “Rise and Shine!” When we heard him yelling, we knew we had work to do and we better get up and get after it. These are great memories because once we did our work we got to do all the fun stuff. We also felt good because he taught us to do our job well.

My father also taught us the following saying that you may have heard: “Good better best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” I’m thankful for these lessons for they have served me well and contributed greatly to my success.

How does this relate to your business? Very simple. There’s still plenty of business out there. However, the game definitely changed in 2008. The person that’s going to get the business in 2009 is the one who rises up earlier, stays a little later, and shines brighter than their competition.

If you want to succeed in today’s environment you must get better in all facets of your business. That’s it, period. It’s time for sales people to start selling again. This means “Sharpening your saw and improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities.”

So, how can you get started? Here’s 7-steps that will give you momentum.
(1) Get back to the basics –What are the basic fundamentals that brought you to the game? What are the basic products, services, knowledge, skills and actions that always get results no matter what? Your business has basic fundamentals that you can count on to work. Get back to them first. This will give you confidence in what you’re doing and start the ball rolling.
(2) Get rid of the clutter – Take a day to get the clutter out of your life. Clean out your car, clear out your briefcase, organize your office, files, etc. This will help your attitude and make you feel better instantly. Clutter can also come in the form of negative people that muddy up your thinking. Quit associating with the doomsayers and naysayers who say it can’t be done.
(3) Feed your mind – Listen to at least 15 minutes of positive uplifting audio programs each day. Read at least 15 minutes of an inspiring book every evening. Review your plan for the next day before you go to sleep at night. You will amaze yourself at what these actions will do for your attitude, creativity, productivity, and results.
(4) Dress for success – You should always look your best. Make sure your hair is trimmed neatly, you wear clean clothes that are pressed, and you step out in the world wearing shiny shoes. It is proven that if you dress up you will feel better and your performance will improve.
(5) Bring energy and focus – Most people spend the majority of their time focusing on energy draining tasks. Everyday you should wake up with a plan of action. This plan should include exercise and eating right. This will energize you. Use the energy to develop a laser like focus. Set a target and spend most of your time accomplishing the most important tasks; the ones that move you closer to your goals.
(6) Listen mostly – Spend most of your time listening not talking. You do this by asking questions and then listening. Listen to what your customers tell you. Listen to what your potential prospects say to you. Listen to feedback from your staff. Stay in tune with company and market changes.
(7) Play the numbers now – Success is a numbers game. Input always eventually equals output. Do a little more everyday than your competition. Make the extra calls, send more notes, and hone your skills. It will make a difference.


These seven steps will give you a good start; however, consistency is the key. It’s what you do everyday that makes the biggest difference.

Every morning when you Rise and Shine, you need to remind yourself that greatness is within you. You have all the talent, creativity, and ability to claim victory in every area of your life. You simply need to get clear about exactly what you want and work hard enough and smart enough to make it happen.

When the opportunity clock sounds, simply rise up out of bed, put your shoulders back and look in the mirror and say, ”I’ve come too far to give up now. Today is a new day. I’m going to improve my skills, keep a positive attitude and rise up above today’s challenges. I’m going to work a little harder, play a lot smarter and shine much brighter than my competition. This year (2009) is my time and no one or nothing can stop me now.”

If you rise up every day with a positive expectancy for the future, combined with hard work and consistency, you will see your confidence grow, your income soar and 2009 will be your time to shine.

Remember this, the sun is always shining somewhere. Sometimes, you just have to get above the storm clouds to see it.

To Your Success





Rise and Shine - To learn more about this author, visit Billy Cox's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

Article Feedback
 Article Feedback No article feedback found.
  Leave Your Feedback
article feedback

Article Feedback

To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us.

About The Author


Billy Cox
(Visit Billy's Website) Internationally recognized business leader, author, and inspirational speaker Billy Cox energizes people to dream big, take action, and achieve results. His message comes from the authenticity and credibility of his own inspiring, all-American success story. Billy Cox now teaches the essentials that led to his own success – he has lived what he speaks. Billy pairs his powerful message with a high-energy, passionate, and down-to-earth style. People worldwide who hear him speak or use his books and audios are inspired to "raise their bar", take control of their futures, and achieve new levels of performance and results. A "no limits" person who knows how to win, Billy is a master salesman, a compelling motivator, an energetic leader, and is recognized by his peers as a leading authority on the undeniable power of human potential. Billy Cox teaches techniques proven over two decades of experience in sales, management, and leadership, and consulting. He has truly lived the American dream. Starting at age 17 as a part-time salesperson in a direct sales company, he worked his way to the top of every sales and management level available. By age 30, he had earned his first million dollars. Two years later, he became president of an international sales and marketing company taking on leadership of a nationwide team with over 500 sales associates. It was an enormous challenge, as sales were in a slump, down almost 50 percent. In less than three years, he and his team had turned the company around, increasing sales to record-breaking levels. Author of The Dream Book, You Gotta Get in the Game, and The All-Star Sales Book, Billy is dedicated to sharing the powerful and proven concepts and techniques that led to his success. Billy travels worldwide, helping individuals achieve their dreams and teaching organizations to reach peak performance. Whether it is a business executive group of 40 or a roaring convention of 4,000, Billy Cox motivates any group, blending facts, inspiration, humor, and conviction with audience participation. Customizing his talks for each group, he gains immediate rapport and leaves audiences energized and confident they can put their learning into immediate action. A partial list of Billy Cox’s clients include a huge range of global, national and regional leaders, including FedEx Services, Delta Dental, Century 21, Hertz, Hyatt, Konica Minolta, Nike Inc., Tyson Foods, North Texas State University, Allstate Insurance, Bertram Yachts, Manheim, Country Maid, Wilson, and Xerox Corporation. Billy considers his personal accomplishments just as important as his professional achievements. He regularly donates his time and talents to youth sports, community service work, and various charities. Billy and his wife, Susan, and their four children make their home in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas.

Billy Cox is a Gold author on EvanCarmichael.com
About The Author

View Author Blog
View Author Blog

View Author Video
View Author Video

Free Downloads


Billy Cox's

Complete
List Of
Work-Life
Articles

Name
Email
If you enjoyed this article, get Billy Cox's Complete List of Work-Life Articles For FREE!

More Billy Cox
Expect Victory
Business is BoomingIts Great
Analyze Your Sales Performance
Raise The Bar
Three Steps To Change Anything
The Power of Visualization
Recognizing the Power of Belief
The Greatest Depression
It Takes A Winner To Become A Champion
Quit Your CryingOnly the Strong Survive
Free Downloads


 
 
 


Evan Elite Authors
Staging Diva  
Kim Castle  
Dave Kurlan  
Evan Elite Authors

Become An Author
Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details.
Become An Author

Evan's Latest Video
Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media
Evan's Latest Video

Business Opportunities
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"

How to Start An Online Business

Click Here To Learn More
Business Opportunities



Evan's Newsletter
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Evan`s Newsletter

Free Downloads
Crazy Busy Icon Crazy Busy
Get 'em Good or Get 'em Gone! Icon Get 'em Good or Get 'em Gone!
Instant Newsletters Icon Instant Newsletters
Disciplines of Success Icon Disciplines of Success
Working with Wisdom Icon Working with Wisdom
Free Downloads - Complete List

Entrepreneur Tools and Guides
Email The Reporters
Email The Reporters
Press Release Builder
 
Top 50 Political Blogs
Top 50 Political Blogs
Top Political Blogs of 2009
 
Entrepreneur Tools and Guides

SEO For Africa
SEO For Africa
AGNES KODUAH Accra, Ghana,
AGNES KODUAH
Accra, Ghana
SEO For Africa

If I Were A Startup...
Travis Hartley, 426% Growth in 2 Years
Travis Hartley
426% Growth in 2 Years
Erez Zevulunov, $150k to $504k in 2 years
Erez Zevulunov
$150k to $504k in 2 years
If I Were A Startup... - Complete List

Famous Entrepreneurs
John Willard Marriott, Marriott
Hugh Hefner, Playboy
Hugh Hefner
Playboy
Famous Entrepreneurs - Complete List

Entrepreneur Advice
Donald J. Trump, Trump University
Donald J. Trump
Trump University
Tom Peters, In Search Of Excellence
Tom Peters
In Search Of Excellence
Entrepreneur Advice - Complete List

Popular Articles
(Premium Authors)

     The Power of Your Own Affiliate Program
By Michael Fleischner
     7 Search Engine Optimization Strategies That Work!
By Michael Fleischner
     7 Steps for Creating a Landing Page that Sells
By Michael Fleischner

Have A Suggestion?
Toronto Salsa Classes / Toronto Salsa Lessons Email us your ideas on how to make our website more valuable! Thank you Sharon from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for your suggestions to make the newsletter look like the website and profile younger entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez and Sean Combs!
Have A Suggestion?

More Evan Carmichael
More Information