By now, most of you have grudgingly accepted that this technology demon is not going to go away. Sure it’s still a people business, more so than ever. Technology has increased our capacity to reach out and touch those people. It has also increased their expectations of us and created multiple opportunities for our competitors. And, it will continue to change the nature of our job, as well as the tools and skills necessary to do that “new” job.
The old job was about real estate. The new job is about relationships. The old job collected and distributed information about real estate. The new job is about building larger spheres of influence and marketing your personal image more effectively within them. The old job was an office on Main Street. The new job is a Web site, an e-mail address, a cell phone and a notebook computer. The old job was about prospecting and lead generating. The new job is databases and effective communication.
Change is the catalyst to building a better you. It is often the door upon which opportunity knocks. Here are six things you can do to accentuate the positive and minimize the negative aspects of change.
1—Accept change.
Easier said than done, but start with the realization that all of this is temporary and subject to change without notice. Plan ahead to deal with those common change experiences that are part of the typical life. Loss of a loved one, change in employment, health issue, aging and death are some.
For example, many people will respond to a threat to their health by reinvigorating their lives with exercise and nutrition. And, by becoming more fit, they expand their capacity for enjoyment. None of us want to go through an illness or injury, but for many of us the result is a dramatic and overall improvement in the quality of our lives.
2—Look for change
You know it’s coming-why not be amongst the first to reap its benefits? Early adapters receive a disproportionate share of the benefits of change.
3—Change your ways
Reinforce in your own mind that you can adapt, will adapt and will soon flourish as a result. Think of change as a stairway taking you to higher and higher levels your existence. Look for role models you admire who triumphed through change. In addition, there are a wide variety of support groups that can provide valuable information and assistance. Keep a diary of your experience.
4—Capitalize on change
Change is constantly shifting the balance of power. David meets Goliath and brings a slingshot. David didn’t invent the slingshot, but he certainly demonstrated its potential. Bill Gates didn’t invent “point and click,” but he certainly demonstrated its potential. Now, any of us with intellectual property can sit at home and slay corporate giants. Bill Gates’ wealth is representative of his capitalizing on change and shifting the balance of power to him.
5—Become a
change agent
How often are we told that one person can’t make a difference? Everything begins with one person. And because change is inevitable, over time, even the smallest effort becomes part of a gradual shift.
6—Be appropriate
in the moment
Woody Allen wrote that 90 percent of success is showing up. Showing up on time, honoring commitments and pursuing opportunities represent being appropriate in the moment. You know what you need to do, and you know you ought to do it now. Tackle it and get it out of the way. This will cause you to feel freer and less apprehensive about the future.