The dictionary defines proactivate as acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes. Well, we have definitely arrived there! The question is, how proactive have you been with your life and your business and the choices that have led you up to this point? Are you standing in the rubble counting your losses or embracing new and exciting opportunities? What have you learned in the past weeks?

The article that I wrote for the previous issue of Women and Biz Magazine was about staying the course. If you’ve made up your mind to do so the main consideration now, particularly with all the changes occurring in the market place, is taking complete control of your actions, your finances, and putting your new business plan into effect. Now is not the time to panic, but to sharpen your pencil and expand your circle of clients, contacts, and, more importantly, beliefs. There’s going to be a whole new set of rules for success on every level and only the savviest, and most well-informed, will prosper.

Some of us have been hit harder than others. I  have no personal losses due to  having pulled all my money out of the stock market years ago after a really big slide. Real estate works for me. But I know what it feels like to lose major assets virtually overnight and I have recovered without going bankrupt. I’ve pretty much been self-employed my whole working life and have had more than a few ups & downs! But that’s just one side of the story. Other people’s economic crises can and will affect our business in the short run no matter what shape we may be in right now.

It’s time to analyze and question every aspect of your expenses and if you are truly getting the best service, product, advice, etc., for the least amount of money as possible without jeopardizing quality. Even things like your health insurance, credit agreements, leases, mortgages, your accountant, your lawyer, should be closely scrutinized and adjusted if necessary. Trust and need are mighty emotions, but can blindside even the most powerful of professionals. We are mortals dealing with other mortals. We all make mistakes. But ultimately you need to trust yourself and the decisions that you need to make without handing over the steering wheel to a complete stranger just because they came highly recommended. Take control!

Being in the insurance business, and based in the Wall Street area, I have already gone through and witnessed significant changes in the past month or so. I have been privy to information and the new problems that the self-employed individual and small business owner are just beginning to encounter. I will continue to work closely with brokers and have partnered with professionals in such areas as wealth management and disability to better serve my own health insurance clientele. There is indeed strength in numbers and teaming up in strategic alliances for referrals, informative seminars, and networking events can get you far without much of a cash outlay, if any. There are whole new markets out there that will really need your help. Become known as a go-to expert in your field. The referrals will start to pour in!

Your best source of information for forming a new marketing plan is on the street. Talk to people. Listen to your clients’ concerns and watch what’s going on around you. Gather as much information and as many opinions as you can. Trust your instincts when you carefully weigh them out. Base your decisions on your personal business situation, not someone elses. You already have what it takes to make the changes to continue on your road to success. Just remember that steady and sure wins the race and it’s the journey and not the destination. Just ask any tortoise.