Break it Down

If you’re faced with a task that seems too big to handle, it can paralyze you. The feeling that you don’t even know where to begin can be so overwhelming that you’re stopped in your tracks and nothing gets done.

Here are a few tips to use when approaching a situation or dilemma that at first seems too much for you to handle.

1. Break it down into small, manageable pieces. For example, if this is a merchant who sees no need for a Web store whatsoever, don’t try to explain the future of e-commerce. The concept is too large and abstract for the merchant to grasp in one sitting. Start small. Look at his business. Break his products and market into smaller parts.

2. Once you’ve dissected the business, take those pieces and see if they are similar to the pieces of any previous merchants. See if you can discover a similarity or pattern between this merchant and others you’ve successfully closed.

3. Look at the situation from a different angle. Try to view it from the merchant’s perspective. Try to understand why they are not interested. When you know why they’re not interested, it can help you get them interested.

4. Try something new. If your standard presentation or sales methods aren’t working, look at the problem in a different light and try something new. Don’t be afraid to take risks. You’re tried and true methods didn’t work—what have you got to lose?

5. Take a break. Sometimes we are too close to a situation to see it clearly. Take a break for a couple days, maybe a week, and see if you can’t approach the situation with a fresher perspective and a better result.

6. Finally, get some fresh eyes. Ask someone else for his or her advice, experience, or input. See if a new point of view can help you find a solution that may be right in front of you.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t have a break down—break it down! 

Back | Next

© Copyright 1995-2000
The Green Sheet, Inc.