marketing+sales: How Bad Do You Want It?

In life, or in business, if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. If not, you will find excuses as to why it can't (or won't) work. For example, it's amazing how many complaints are still made about the economy. Meanwhile, many companies in our industry have grown through acquisitions, new hires and diversification. They are making a solid profit because they have out-thought the competition.

Quite frankly, I hate excuses. My mantra is simple: Make it happen. In other words, "Suck it up, quit complaining, stop making excuses that haven't been valid since 2009 and, by all means, bring some true value to the table." Winners will find a way to succeed in any situation, whereas whiners will list all the things that are holding them back. So, here is what I'd like to know: Are you better, more talented, more valuable and more creative than your competitors? Do you want to win or just go along for the ride? Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?

Look at it this way. There are 168 hours in a week. Whether you represent a small or large company, you do not have any more—or less—time. What do you do with your time? Do you focus on things that really matter or are you in "paralysis by analysis" or "decision by indecision" mode? Do you plan out each month, week and day?

I challenge you to dig deep, want it more than the other person, use every resource at your disposal in an intelligent manner, begin with the end in mind and be strategic in your thinking. The current social platforms allow us to connect with anyone on the globe. Use this opportunity for sales and organizational growth. Then, decide what you want to grow.