Niagara Business Directory Online The Niagara Guide.com

• Everyone was healthy: We might need 50% less doctors and nurses. Convenience stores might close because of lowered cigarette sales. There could be two or three times as many stores selling nutritional supplements, bicycles, running gear and sports equipment and less selling televisions and Lazy-Boys. Personal trainers would be able to make a very comfortable salary. Fast food restaurants would switch away from serving fat-bombs to healthier fare - or close completely. Our communities would have cleaner air and water. We'd probably know our neighbours as we'd see them while out for our evening walks. 

Getting rid of one problem could cause lots of problems - depending on which side of the fence you sit. This is why many people are happy with the status quo - problems and all. They're in businesses that exist because there are problems in society.

We "all" recognize that we should eliminate problems in our society. "Everybody" thinks its a good idea. Since you're part of that whole, what have you done today to make our society a better place?

Coming soon: "Feel Good Niagara" - helping people learn about how they can make their lives better.

You are so the same as everyone else that nobody cares.

"But wait - I'M DIFFERENT!!!"

So, how exactly are you different enough that people SHOULD care?

I'm waiting...

...still waiting...

...and waiting.

The truth is most of us are lousy at communicating our differences which is a shame, because it's the only thing that's really important. We let potential customers assume we fit the "standards" of our industry and since we've co-operated by colouring inside the lines like everyone else, there's nothing special about us to make people go WOW!!! Yep. Guilty as charged. Me too. Been there, done that. Perhaps I'm still doing it.

But today I'm taking a friend's advice and taking my head OUT of my ass, giving it a shake and looking at myself and my business with a more critical eye. Change is happening all around me anyway, whether I want it to or not. If things are going to be different and better, change had better begin with me.

Or in your case, you. I hope you're enjoying the view and the fresh air. Now get to work on making things better.

And, for those of you who are seeing this on a Friday afternoon and thinking change can wait until Monday, the good news is you're right. It CAN wait. The better time to start is now.

Make it a great weekend!