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Last week’s article listed some things I am doing in response to the economy and my economy. In a word: PLENTY. In two words: RIGHT NOW. I’m not “waiting to see what happens.” I’m making things happen, assessing the situation as it unfolds, looking for opportunities and taking action.

What are you doing about YOUR economy?

Here’s the rest of the list of what I have done to date, and what I’m doing now:

• Study my assets. I looked at what intellectual property and courseware I have that others will need for the next 12 months. In these times, it’s not about what you have to sell. It’s about what others want and are willing to buy.

• Build my list of e-mail addresses. My e-mail list has grown from 21,000 to nearly 400,000. I am shooting for a million. The more people I can reach with helpful information, especially in these times, the more I will grow and prosper.

• Promote more than ever. People call it marketing. I believe that’s a word of the past. I’m an online value provider. My Web site, my online training, my YouTube channel and my podcasts on iTunes keep me at the top of Google.

• Continue social networking until I figure it out. I have made around 3,000 friends, fans and connections on Facebook and LinkedIn. There must be something to it, and I will find out what it is and take advantage of it.

• Stay one notch ahead of the curve. I am continuing to invest in my Web and online presence.

• Be one notch better than everyone else who does what I do. That’s the nice way of saying leave my competitors in the dust.

• Continue to concentrate on (and write about) why customers buy. Stay on the customer side of the relationship (their buying motives), not the me-me side (my selling skills).

• Concentrate on service as much as sales. We’re taking it up a notch with speed and availability of people and product.

• Communicate with my family members (employees) closer than ever. They’re somewhere between anxious and nervous, and want to know the truth.

• I’m reading more. Reading and going to read “bigger picture” books that make me think. “The Long Tail,” “Blue Ocean Strategy,” “Tipping Point” and “What Would Google Do?” are high on my list. I’m also reading more kids’ books. They offer great lessons and simple answers.

• I’m doing more short-term planning. Establishing short-term safety and taking actions for today to ensure stability tomorrow.

• I expect everyone to work as hard as I do. No explanation needed.

• I am rededicating myself to personal excellence and self-discipline. I get up earlier and stay up later.

• I’m focusing on personal health and energy. I’m not worrying at all. I have no stress. I’m converting that energy to doing positive things for myself.

• I’m taking more time to laugh. I watch one episode of “Family Guy” a day. It’s funny as hell, and I want to maintain a work-laugh balance.

• I play with my grandchildren. They are a source of reality and positive anticipation.

• Whenever possible, I take an extra day for myself to relax, think and write. The more I unwind, the more I write, the more clear things become, and the more ready I am to take action. I’m taking more walks and creating more think time.

All of my studies, all of my experiences and all of my wisdom have brought me to this point, and now is the time to use ALL of my skills. Same with you.

Jeffrey Gitomer can be reached by phone at (704) 333-1112 or by e-mail at salesman@gitomer.com. © 2009 Jeffrey H. Gitomer