Becoming Intentional In Business

“I hope that light at the end of the tunnel is not a train coming!” How many of you have wondered this same thing at some point in your business career?

I recently read about a forum in which several large corporations mentioned that in uncertain times and lack of resources becoming intentional in business practices is more important than ever.  Businesses have to cut through all of the uncertainty and become focused on activities that will benefit them not only short term but for the long term. Becoming intentional means making a commitment to do something.

As I’ve mentioned before, every decision we make here at the Beach Chamber has been with the “intent” of benefiting our members and the community.  Many of you deal with the everyday issues of paying the bills, making sure salaries are paid, and hoping at the end of the day something is left over. As a former business owner I know these feelings all too well. I remember clearly those times of year when it was more famine than feast. It’s during those times that it is easy to lose focus on the long term goals of making your business the best it can be.

We are beginning the summer season which is a time in which many of you rely on to make the year a success. My hope is that you would keep this idea of being intentional in the back of your mind as you plan for the upcoming season and beyond.  I would also challenge you to keep in mind that there will most likely be a slow time around the corner and remain focused on your long term goals.

There are a few things I’d like for you to remember in your quest to remain focused. First, continue to market your business. It’s too easy to see marketing as low hanging fruit in slower times. If you have all the business you can handle that would be one thing; however, I doubt that many of you have that wonderful problem. Marketing your business throughout the year keeps you on the mind of your customers. Second, find ways to develop your business skills. Professional development can be one of the hardest things for people to make time for but it is one of the most critical for you to do. Lastly, get out and network. Networking gets you recognized in your community. The more people you can come into contact and develop a relationship with the more you are thought of as a source to go to when that person needs your product or service.   At the end of the day, whether you do these things on your own or with the help of the Beach Chamber, I urge you to remain focused so that the light at the end of the tunnel is not the train coming but success for your business.

Lance Allison
President/CEO Panama City Beach Chamber