“That which doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” Well, certainly, we wouldn’t wish the worst case on anyone. Our hearts go out to those families who have lost loved ones from this Pandemic and the myriad of other reasons that people leave our world.
But Nietzsche’s words from 150 years ago make sense. What he’s really speaking about is adaptability. Life continuously delivers challenges. Survival is not about the fittest, but the adaptable.
A man had two sons. One the consummate negaholic, the other an unwavering optimist. Come Christmas, he ordered everything in the LL Bean catalogue and placed the goods in his attic. He also ordered a truckload of horse manure and loaded that into his basement. Come Christmas morning, he goes to his attic and observes his one son picking up every item and cross referencing it to the LL Bean catalogue. “I know there’s something missing,” he said.
Last week I spoke about the importance of taking time to sharpen your saw. How time away from your practice is even more important than time spent in your practice. This week, I’m providing you with some guidance on reflection.
It’s the beginning of October and mother nature has begun to turn the thermostat down in upstate NY. The leaves are turning into their majestic colors and the smell of fall is in the air. It’s one of my favorite times of the year.
I believe that it was the author T.S. Elliott that coined the phrase, “data begets information begets knowledge, begets wisdom.” Certainly, in today’s data driven society, these words CAN ring true. But when is enough, enough? In this week’s message, I’d like to explore some myths about data as it relates to your practice.
Forty-two years ago I had occasion to participate in the very first national eyecare exposition, called Optifair. At the time, I was the marketing manager for a small eyewear importer. The concept of Optifair was intriguing and we chose to exhibit at this first-of-a-kind event.
It’s near the beginning of the fourth quarter. Of course, by now, you’ve got a good understanding of how this year will conclude. You’ve compared your 2020 plan to your actual performance. You’ve made monumental changes thrust upon you by Covid19. 2020 has been that year where your goals may have been tossed out the window.
On several occasions over the past few months I’ve talked to you about opportunity. I’ve asked you to open your eyes to it, as during firestorms like we’re currently engaged, opportunity arises from the ashes.
Warren Buffett likes to say, “be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.” I think these wise words for the current era.
There are only two ways to increase your revenue…only two. You can either increase the number of exams which you deliver, or you can increase your average revenue per exam. It’s really that simple.
Seemingly little things can have big payoffs!
I remember reading a study years ago about a specific retailer. This retailer’s clerks, like so many others, would greet customers entering the store with “may I help you.” Think about the last time you were so greeted. What did you say?
If Covid19 has delivered anything but havoc, it’s delivered lessons in financial control. For some of you, you were on top of your finances and had a pretty easy time navigating the financial challenges associated with shutting down and then reopening. For others, you’re still scratching your head and saying, “what happened.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “the speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack.” I believe in that philosophy. That’s why I invest a substantial amount of time and money each year on my and my team’s personal development. I can’t think of a better investment. For me, such investing has become second nature. Setting personal and business goals is a way of life. I will never accomplish all that I want. I can’t imagine life having done that. What would I have to live for?
As much as Covid19 has caused physical harm and, sadly, the demise of some of our citizens, it has also dealt operating challenges felt by many businesses, with a significant negative impact on the travel industry. As you’re aware, along with personalized consulting and transaction services, our firm has specialized in delivering impactful in-person events. Naturally, we’re working hard to find a path through this period. We thank you for your support during these unprecedented times and trust that we’ve come through for you.
Over the past couple of months, I’ve shared with you that Covid19, while horrific and sad, has opened the door to opportunity. As Warren Buffet often says, “be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
Covid19 has changed the world…but has it changed you? Have the past few months made you feel like the proverbial circus plate spinner? Are you running from one plate to another, franticly transferring energy to projects, ideas, problems, situations, patients, charts, phone calls, vendors, spouses, kids, community, health, and the like?
As we head into the reopening of our economy and the celebration of our nation’s birth this weekend, it’s appropriate to look back on the year.
So far, I have but one word for 2020…WOW!
With some work, investment, and exploration, many years ago I uncovered, in the words of Michael Gerber of E-Myth fame, my “primary aim.” It’s my crystal-clear vision of who I am and where I’m going. It’s the “why” behind what I do in the way that I do it. It’s my guidance system. It’s mine and mine alone.
Our nation’s Covid19 response has caused significant economic challenges to many segments of our economy. While many areas have taken things in stride, others like our own county have been hard-hit. Otsego County, New York’s local economy is based largely on education and tourism; two of the most significantly impacted segments.
With some work, investment, and exploration, many years ago I uncovered, in the words of Michael Gerber of E-Myth fame, my “primary aim.” It’s my crystal-clear vision of who I am and where I’m going. It’s the “why” behind what I do in the way that I do it. It’s my guidance system. It’s mine and mine alone.
Certainly, you’re familiar with McDonalds. But you may not be so informed about one of their competitors, In-and-Out Burger. While there’s much to their story, In-and-Out was founded back in 1948, about 8 years after the original McDonalds. Today, In-and-Out is a regional player with locations in just five states. Among other things, they introduced California’s first drive through window. Their fans are passionate…and I’m one of them.
