One thing this recession has done for me is to crystallize a new
frame of reference for “haves” and “have- nots.” No, I’m not talking
about rich versus poor, but instead doers versus criticizers, real
businesses versus poseurs, and trusted versus trust-less organizations.
Allow me to explain.
Reprinted from the Outsell Blog. It has a truth about it that I like. Is your organisation a Have or a Have Not?
Tough times have a funny way of
highlighting the vast gulf between those that have ideas and the
courage to act on them versus those who don’t. The latter invariably
criticize the former without offering alternatives. While some make
livelihoods as pundits, (I really hate that word), bloggers, and the
like, most are just have- nots, as in “have not a single original idea”
nor the gumption to make that idea happen. Haves on the other hand, are
entrepreneurial risk takers who thrive on action and making things
happen. They will fail in some endeavors, but will pick themselves up,
dust themselves off and jump back into the fray. And no, I’m not going
to list my faves for either category as I’m sure you have yours.
My
second group of haves and have-nots: haves are those businesses who
understand that having solid products, responsive customer service, and
strong client relations along with a “real” business model and stong
ethics and principles are the key to weathering down markets. Have-nots
are lacking in one or more of the characteristics of haves and are much
more frequently found as roadkill on the great commerce highway.
Finally,
and prehaps most important is trust. Quite simply, haves have the trust
of their clients and constituents while have-nots do not. I think much
of the current turmoil in the markets has to do with the breakdown of
trust at all levels of society. Financial stability and growth will not
likely return until trust is restored. Organizations that have operated
in good faith and held the trust of their clients and markets will
survive and eventually thrive–those that haven’t have a tough row to
hoe.
