The Importance of Being…Flexible.
Today will be a good day. I have meetings to attend, and a productive discussion plan that should result in good networking, new business and clients, and a continued dialogue with people in the field who can help advance a Business Plan focused on making companies better. All scheduled in advance, travel time accounted for, and excitement. And to think; this day started going sideways, 3 weeks ago……
Let me explain.
I travel a good deal, usually in a 400 mile radius, on a preset schedule. That means planning 3 or 4 meetings concurrently, with minimal travel time between meetings. When one meeting is set, 3 or 4 need to be planned to make the day productive.
My first meeting was planned by someone wanting to meet me. That is good, since getting and planning a good meeting is not always easy. Several days later, I have a full calendar of 4 other meetings, and things look very solid. Great!! Then, the unthinkable happens; the primary meeting, the first meeting scheduled, the person who wanted to meet me, cancels. Not a big deal, except that this is now the 3rd time, and the first attempt at meeting was 3 weeks ago.
To compound the problem, my 2nd meeting missed the calendar of my next contact, and through a text/phone call is delayed as well. Suddenly, the day is in jeopardy.
This could be a disaster! How did I get myself into this? How could they do this to me?
This, however, is a good time to stop, decompress, and draw on your planning and experience. You have a long-term plan. Not all things are constant. There are good reasons why this happened. This is not the first time this kind of thing has happened. It won’t be the last time either. Worry about the things you can control, and not the things you can’t.
Your road to success is fraught with chasms, potholes, valleys, and split-second decisions. Getting upset over minor changes can be the difference between maintaining a solid relationship and losing business. We also put a plan in place (or did you?), and we adapt when things change, because that’s simply good business sense.
So, the company that wanted to see me will find a good time that fits their calendar, if it is that important. And my first call in the morning rescheduled later in the day; they addressed their needs which are more compelling. This reflects how adaptable I can be to an ever-changing market, and its demands.
Are you planning well? Can you adapt in a manner that allows you to be at your best when things go sideways? A good place to stop and assess your changing strategy is the Mile Marker. Mile Marker Business and Consulting Services, LLC was created to help you build the plan (and adaptive strategy) for meeting the everyday changes, and to prevail!
