Business today is changing.  No doubt about it.  The current economic downturn is only a testament to how business is undergoing change.  As Jerry Butler sang in the 1960′s song, “Only the strong survive.”

It use to be that simply being in business was enough to make a profit.  Now the competition is so great only the strong survive.

Strong doesn’t mean physically strong.  It means emotionally, mentally strong.  It means being educated on your business and industry.  It means communicating with your employees and your customers.  And it means being prepared and ready each business day.  No matter what is happening in the economic marketplace.

You read about how only the strong survive every day in the sports section of your favorite newspaper or internet news site. 

Business is similar to sports.  You have to anticipate the unknown and be prepared for anything. 

For example, NASCAR.  Driver Jimmy Johnson and crew chief, Chad Knaus, recently won their third Sprint Cup title which puts them both in a very elite NASCAR group that few achieve in their careers.  Jimmy and Chad are quickly becoming NASCAR legends in their own time. 

The racing teams know that the smallest mistake can send the driver and his car into the wall.  A moment’s hesitation and the car behind you will pass your vehicle to win the race. Timing is everything.  To handle a racing car takes skill that is only acquired through practice, practice, practice, knowing every nut and bolt in the vehicle and how the racing machine responds on every track under every condition.

Do you anticipate what can happen in your business?  Do you continue to train and educate your employees – and yourself?  Do you expect your employees to be the best they can be or do you expect them to just show up everyday?  Do you expect the same of yourself?

As the CEO, president or business owner, are you as determined as Jimmy Johnson and Chad Knaus?  Or are you just going through the motions as you drive down the business highway every day? 

Business today requires a high response level to every aspect of your business.  You need to give more than ever before in order for your business to succeed. 

Business is tough right now.  And it may get tougher before this economic downturn is over and business is on the upswing again. Only the strong are going to survive.

So if you haven’t already, start today to take your business from mediocrity and just motoring along to crossing the finish line as a winner.