Executive Publisher’s Column

TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO!

“Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do” is the title of one of my favorite books written by Dr. Robert H. Schuller that is also part of my own personal library. Since I first met Dr. Schuller many years ago, I have read this book many, many times and it has always inspired me.

There is no question that small business has been hit extremely hard during the past two years of the Pandemic. The financial ramifications of the virus have caused many small business owners to make major cutbacks and/or close up for good. This is true regardless of the product, service, or clientele that they serve. Despite these adverse times, there are some businesses that still seem to flourish and even grow. These are the businesses whose owners believe that they need to play with the cards they are dealt and know that these trying times will not last. They know that yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, and today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!

I believe why and how they continue to grow their businesses when others are closing theirs lies in their ATTITUDE, DESIRE, & PURPOSE.

ATTITUDE

These successful entrepreneurs have the attitude that life and business is about possibilities and if their business is to succeed when others are failing, it is up to them to make the necessary changes to adapt to the challenges and overcome them. My wife and I always say, “If it is going to be, it is up to me!” There are always going to be setbacks in life and in business. The only way you are going to bounce back is to be innovative, resourceful, and do everything you can to figure it out.

DESIRE

Depending on how hungry someone is, it is in direct proportion to what they achieve and when they achieve it. No one says that success

in a challenging time is easy, but the successful entrepreneur knows that they must never, ever give up. The only way to fail is to quit!

PURPOSE

The reason why 95% of those business owners give up on their dreams is that they have forgotten “WHY” they wanted their dream in the first place. The successful entrepreneur knows that they must have strong, compelling reasons for their goals and dreams. They know they must have a strong “WHY” to become a success despite the odds against them.

Many of our 150+ cover honorees from Small Business Today, Real Estate Executive, Premier Agent, and Profiles Magazines have been Realtors®. Many of our followers on our website and social media are Realtors®, too. Realtors® are some of the most resourceful and tenacious entrepreneurs that I have ever met.

It has been my pleasure to follow one of those successful entrepreneurs since she was first honored on our Premier Agent Magazine cover in March of 2011 - Rhonda Williford of RE/MAX Compass and Rhonda Williford Home Solutions. Rhonda and her husband, Charlie Williford, who was featured in our Profiles Magazine in March of 2011 as well, have exemplified all three of those attributes, Attitude, Desire, and Purpose, in growing their companies regardless of the drastic changes in our economy and our country. I know you will enjoy reading how Rhonda and Charlie have been innovative and complementary working independently and together in their individual businesses.

Good Reading, Good Sales, & Success to You -

Steve Levine

Executive Publisher

SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE