Positive thinking. It’s a powerful force. How can you tap into it to increase your success?
Nothing breeds success like success. It’s a virtuous circle. You know the feeling. You’re having a great day. You’re on top of the world. Nothing can burst your bubble. Everything’s humming in your store. Everything’s easy. You’re enjoying life. You’re having fun! A customer walks into that bubble. What do you think the effect is going to be? Everything she sees is bathed in that pleasing atmosphere.
Your customers are seeking a positive experience – happiness, beauty, exhilaration, fulfillment. That new necklace or ring they’re considering is the tangible means for them to create the experience they seek. By creating the right ambience and presenting your collections within it, you’re already offering their desired target as they walk in your store. You’ve brought their goal to life. You’ve reinforced the feeling they seek. You’re already halfway to success.
But how can you create and maintain that positive bubble as much as possible? How can you turn every day – or most days – into top days?
• Monitor your internal dialogue.
We have many thousands of thoughts daily. We’re constantly talking to ourselves internally. What are you saying to yourself? Become aware of your own stream of consciousness. Do you have repeating negative patterns? – “Business is going to be slow this season.” “Wednesday’s not a busy day.” “We haven’t been selling many large ticket items.” By shining a light on your internal dialogue, you become aware of negative patterns that project into reality. Replace diminished expectations with positive projections.
Your thoughts are powerful. To a large extent you create your own reality. When a customer walks in, if you’re not expecting much you’re going to miss or misinterpret important clues. Is she lingering around a certain display case? Did he mention an upcoming anniversary? Are you noticing what she’s wearing and what her tastes are? If your internal dialogue’s promoting diminished expectations, you may be shutting yourself off to these promising leads. By becoming aware of subconscious negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones, you open the door to increased success.
• Fake it till you make it.
All right, so you’re having an off day. Everyone does from time to time. But instead of wallowing in it, try projecting positivity even though it may not feel completely natural at first. It gets the ball rolling and helps create an atmosphere for genuine positivity to sprout.
Dress up nicely. Put on your best suit. Compliment a customer or staff member. Hold the door for a customer. Smile! You may be surprised how a few simple words or gestures may transform the mood – and you!
• Nourish your relationships.
It’s all about people. Nurture the positive relationships you wish to grow. A motivated staff and appreciative clientele are invaluable. What are you doing to promote them? Pinpoint your top assets – the top 20% – and focus your attention there. Nourish the positive and it will nourish you.
Are there certain people around you who are consistently negative-energy drains? Pinpoint them as well. Speak to them and encourage them to adjust their attitude and behavior. If recurring negative influences are hampering your growth and can’t be transformed, consider removing them from your environment. Become more aware of your circles and the influences within them.
• Life’s all possibilities.
By creating a positive attitude you open the door to success. Think positive, think big! And don’t limit yourself. Set positive goals, but don’t restrict yourself if even greater opportunities emerge. Has someone suggested a show or promotion that you’ve written off? Other possibilities are all around. Make new friends. Get involved in trade and community organizations. Networking is key to opening new doors.
Think outside the box. Don’t keep moving in your settled grooves just because of habit. It takes new seed to reap a new crop. Just a subtle attitude adjustment can alter your reality and suddenly everything’s new.
Break some boundaries. It’s exhilarating. Life’s full of wonder. Yes, you can!
Mia Katrin is an award-winning, internationally celebrated couture jewelry designer specializing in high-end necklaces with precious gems in 18-22 karat gold as well as the new affordably priced Jewel Casual Collection. Her Collections, which have been worn by A-List Hollywood celebrities, are featured in many top galleries and stores throughout the country, where she regularly hosts Trunk Shows. Contact Mia via her website, http://jeweljewel.com, e-mail info@jeweljewel.com or call 1- 877 JEWEL-MY (539-3569).
