What does it take to run a business in 2017

Let's be honest, to many of us the picture above is how it feels like running your own business in 2017. 

Almost everyone I've spoken to seems to be either worried or pessimistic when I ask them how their business is doing, or what is their general outlook of the market and economy. 

However, it's times like this when uncertainty and a rather negative sentiment is the order of the day in the business community is when I become more 'bullish' than 'bearish'. Some people who I've shared my sense of optimism is look at me strangely, my friends think I'm a hopeless dreamer and members of my family think that I am a "lost case".

If you ask me what do I think of myself, I'll tell you that the black and white image of the mad scientist 'Frankenstein' standing over his crazy experiment which he has been obsessively working on day and night comes to mind.

But really, this attitude of mine was really inspired by a piece of advice I got in 2009 from a well-traveled and experienced British entrepreneur who was in his 60s. We had met in a breakfast forum in Dubai. The forum which brought together professionals from the corporate world, government and entrepreneurs like me addressed the business community's concerns about the global financial downturn at that time.

The British entrepreneur was seated next to me. And when everyone left the table during the coffee-break we stayed back chatting. He then shared with me what he has learned throughout the decades. That during every economic downturn, depression, political instability or even conflict he has witnessed; there will be losers but there will as well definitely be WINNERS to emerge. 

He asked me to look at times like this as an opportunity itself to capitalize on the opportunities that will emerge by listening to my customers, understanding what does the market really need, build a more solid foundation so that I eventually "come on top".

I'll be honest, this belief keeps me always busy planning, driven and always curious during the times I am confronted with uncertainty.

Ask yourself, what are you or your business working on to "come on top" during these times? What are you doing to serve your and your business' ultimate purpose. Someone once said that "the questions you ask yourself will eventually determine the course of your future"

I'll share in the comment section 3 things I'm working on to prepare myself and my business to come on top. 

If you don't mind sharing what you are doing or your thoughts, please do share in the comments section of this post so that the rest of us can benefit.

And oh yeah, this was originally an Instagram post. To get more posts like this, please follow @memoirs_of_emirati_headhunter

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