I found this on another web site and I just loved it!! The lady who posted it (Molly) didn't say where she got it from so I have no idea who to give credit to. I have it posted on my fridge.
"Reaching in the box she pulls out a crisp white athletic tee shirt and unfolds it, displaying to all the bold black letters that read:
THIS BODY UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.
Yes, ladies and gents, there is one in here for each of you - all sizes. There's only one catch - if you are going to wear it then you have to live it. Not just when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and all is right in your world - nope, this job requires a commitment - call it a cash business, you need to be there 24/7.
Call it a hostile takeover - see if you are not there vigilantly watching your new business, that old manager may still want to take a try at reclaiming what was hers. So if you are willing to take on the job as "new management" you need a business plan.
1.) You need to know how to handle things when business is good, customers are noticing what a great job you've done remodeling and how much brighter and cheerier the place looks.
Here's a tip: You smile graciously and simply say, "thank you for noticing". You don't need to tell them what it took to get there, most really don't want all those details. You need feel no guilt that you booted the old manager out (probably kicking and screaming). A smile and a thank you will more than suffice.
For those who have thought they might like to try a business similar to yours, trust me, they will ask more questions. They'll pull you aside - by all means share with them, but it's not necessary to try and convert the rest of the world while you're still getting your business under way. Ok, that part is easy, but
2.) Do you have a plan for when business slows down? You're doing exactly what you should be in order to make your business successful, but it's just not happening. Do you have anything tucked away in the First Bank of Positive Emotions to help you through this slow season? Or are you going to immediately assume you may have been hasty in making this purchase and want to begin bargaining a sellback to the old manager? See, you need a plan.
Now, say you get through the slow season successfully and your business takes off again - things are moving, people are noticing, everything is falling into place and suddenly you're thrown a curve ball.
3.) Do you have a plan in place for when friends and family begin to comment that this place has changed so much they don't recognize it any longer? That maybe that old manager wasn't such a bad guy after all, at least they knew what to expect from her and you are too full of surprises these days. Are you going to falter?
Remember these are the people you love, "who only have your best interest at heart" (beware of those words!!) They may want to take you out and wine and dine you. Mom or Grandma may suddenly want to bake for you to remind you of how nice things were when the old manager was in charge and you weren't so busy with all this nonsense.
Are you reconsidering? Feeling weak in the knees? Are you feeling those old feelings coming back and hearing words like, "well DH, or Mom, or the boss, or my best friend love me and care for me and wouldn't steer me wrong, maybe I made a mistake?" If so, you need to make a better business plan and recognize everyone has an agenda.
As you are improving your 'business' you are messing with loved ones perceptions. Their perceptions of you but more importantly their perceptions of themselves. If you stay in business long enough you are going to threaten relationships. Do you have a plan? In reconstructing your business you may truly disturb others. Old time girlfriends may question your priorities and your commitment to your new business; look past how it's being said, and listen to the words, real carefully, you will hear a completely different message.
Controlling mothers, sisters, DH's are going to work their best angles because your new found sense of success disrupts the balance of the old relationship. Do you have a plan? You need one. If you don't have a plan you will soon find yourself falling back on what has worked (??) for you in the past.
Well the nice thing about being out here On The Road with all of you is that we have so much experience to draw from, and plenty of time to talk and help each other to formulate a solid business plan that will work for YOU. Now climb out of that big old T-shirt and slide into this crisp white one and claim it for yourself. Say it out loud: THIS BODY IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!!"
This Body Under NEW Management!
Great!
