Forbes Inisght

When Steve Forbes (Forbes Magazine) climbed into my pick up truck this week in Ft. Worth, Texas, I knew I was in for an experience. I invited Steve to come spend a private evening in a “Town Hall” type meeting with a group of local CEO’s to discuss his views on the future of the economy, the impact that the results of the election will have on our futures and how we can manage in turbulent times. His insights were fascinating and his perspectives refreshing. I could write several pages about his prognostications, but there are two of his opinions that I will paraphrase that are worth passing on and acting on:

1. The biggest challenge in our economy today is….FEAR! Fear was the biggest factor that drove government regulators to put Lehman Brothers out of business and Merrill Lynch into a merger. Both companies were cash flow positive until the day they “died.” Fear continues to be the biggest bottleneck on main street and Wall Street. The good news is that battling that fear starts between your own two ears and within the four walls of your office. Keep it out and you will be amazed at what flows in your direction.

2. Keep the FAITH in our ability to solve problems…even the problems we have created ourselves! It is a personal decision. Are you currently innovating or disintegrating? It is a choice not a condition.

As evidence of what Steve Forbes was saying, I was in a dental office this week that is “on fire.” The enthusiasm was contagious. The energy was palpable. I could not help but feel great while I was there. And I’m not the only one. Evidence that they are radiating positive vibes to their patients and the community came in the form of 16 new patient calls in just one day this last week. The vast majority of those were referrals from existing patients.

You may not be able to control Congress, the economy, or the new presidential administration, but you can control the attitude that you chose in your practice each day. That was one of the positive messages I received from Steve Forbes. There are a lot of problems to solve, but the most important of those problems can be solved right where you are.

Have a great week and

Make It Happen!