A good friend sent me an email a while ago. It noted how two news sources reported the same information in completely different ways, based on their perspective.

One source cited our 3.2% annual growth rate as a positive development, a sign that our economy is still growing. Another said it showed how bad our economy and that things are slowing down.

I always find it interesting how differently People can view the same thing. One person sees something as good news while others can only see the bad.

Your perspective tells people a lot about you. If you tend to see the glass as half empty much of the time, that probably shows in many ways. And, people sense that.

Remember, people tend to do business with people whom they like. In my world, a person with a positive outlook gets much more of my time and attention than someone who constantly sees bad news everywhere. I simply would rather spend time with upbeat, happy people than with the frowners and downers. I think most people feel the same way.

Also, I think it's fair to say that much of the news and information we get (whether it's from news media or individuals or other sources) tends to have a negative spin. I can't tell you why but people seem to focus more on the bad things that happen in our world than on the good things. (If you disagree, please let me know.)

This creates an opportunity. If you are constantly a bearer of good news, you can stand out. You can be a beacon of light on an otherwise dark and stormy sea. By choosing to keep your attitude positive and upbeat you give people one more reason to do business with you. You can put the power of perspective to work for you.

The nice thing is, it's easy and it's free. Just start seeing the good side of every situation. Start looking at how everything in your life has some value. And, there is value in just about everything we experience, though you sometimes need to get creative to see it.

I remember what my brother-in-law liked to say:

"Some people brighten my day by walking in the door. Others brighten my day by walking OUT the door."

So, think about how your perspective is affecting how people view you and your business. Is it working for you or against you?

Kevin Stirtz