Be On The Lookout For Storms

Be On The Lookout For Storms

 

We had a very unusual occurrence in the Houston area last Sunday.

As we were driving back from a visit with the in-laws, the skies began to turn a dark shade of blue and ominous looking clouds swirled and gathered.  The wind became more intense.  Lightening strikes emanated from the clouds and the rain started to fall.

And just as we pulled into our driveway, quarter to golfball sized hail began to hit the ground.[lightbox link=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4791.jpg” thumb=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4791-225×300.jpg” width=”225″ align=”right” title=”IMG_4791″ frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]

My sister sent me a short joke once.  It was titled, “The Top Ten Ways You Know You Are A Texan”.  And even though I am from Georgia, I have been in Texas for over 25 years now, so I laughed as I read them.  One in particular that really struck home was…

 

“You know you’re a Texan when you are under a tornado warning… and you go outside to look!”

– Unknown

 

 

Well, apparently I am now truly a Texan! 🙂  [lightbox link=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4817.jpg” thumb=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4817-300×200.jpg” width=”300″ align=”left” title=”IMG_4817″ frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]

[lightbox link=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4816.jpg” thumb=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4816-300×200.jpg” width=”300″ align=”center” title=”IMG_4816″ frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]

[lightbox link=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4803.jpg” thumb=”https://jeffcwest.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_4803-300×200.jpg” width=”300″ align=”right” title=”IMG_4803″ frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]

Living in North Texas for 14 years, I learned to be on the lookout for storms.  Although we don’t have that many strong storms in Houston, I find myself still having that same mindset.

 

We must also keep a lookout for storms in our business.  In particular, there are three main areas in which we must watch for changes that could affect how we do business.

Changes that affect our customers:

Protect your customers by keeping your eyes on trends that affect them and their industry.  Find credible sources online, and sign up for email feeds from those experts in their field.  There may be things you will find that your customer has no knowledge of at the time.  And even if they do, they will appreciate you looking out for their well being.

Changes that affect our company:

Are there market changes that impact how you do business?  How often do you read about the latest trends for your company?  What sources do you use?  If you do not read… well, as my friend’s father used to say – “The only difference between a man that doesn’t read and a man that can’t read is that one has a legitimate reason for being behind.”

Changes that affect our country:

What regulatory changes may be on the horizon for you?  How does the political climate affect you and your business?

 

Keeping your eyes on the lookout for potential storms can be the difference between profit and loss.

 

QUESTION:  What changes do you see coming in the future for your customers?