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Two simple words. They can bring the promise of a new tomorrow. A fresh start. A bright beginning. They are words that work.

They helped get Barack Obama elected, the 44th President of the United States.

He proved, thankfully, anything is possible!

This is not a political message. It’s a business message.

About how to capture attention, stir emotion, generate enthusiasm, create action and profit!

As I travel the country as a “business-growth specialist” there are three common messages I’m hearing from CEOs, executives, leaders and salespeople:

1. “Business stinks. Sales are down. We’re laying off people.”

2. “We’re hanging in. We’re holding our own. It’s tough, but we’re breaking even or still profitable.”

3. “Business is actually up. We’re adding people. Last month broke new sales records.”

While there are of course nuances to the preceding, these are the mantras I’m hearing in varied regions, from all types of businesses.

The consistency is the inconsistency!

Yet, there’s one constant.

These folks remain “hopeful.” And, they know “change” (even if things are good), is required.

However, hope and change come with high expectations.

Because, hope and change alone aren’t enough to secure the “dawn of a new day.” You better make intelligent decisions and take meaningful action.

To get you headed in the right direction, here are 14 strategies:

1. Focus on training, development and productivity enhancement

2. Plan and prepare, better to be pro-active vs. reactive

3. Establish “teams”

4. Have defined goals that are realistic, but that “stretch”

5. Monitor progress and modify

6. “Pilot” change before expanding

7. “Empower” your self and others before, during and after the change

8. Link “change” to rewards

9. Find ways to improve, enhance or upgrade your products and services

10. Make “value” your differentiator, not price

11. Get closer to your prospects, customers or clients, ask them better questions, discover how you can improve their condition

12. Make referrals a part of your pipeline; ask for ‘em, get ‘em, convert ‘em (Your customers already know you, like you, love you and trust you. It’s a dis-service, not to ask, who else you can help!) 13. Stay optimistic

14. Be patient

Your future...

Starts with “hope.” It’s your “wish list” for something positive to happen. It seems possible. Plausible. Likely.

It’s that gut-feeling, that desirable outcomes, are just around the corner.

Your future then requires “change.” New choices. New skills, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.

Your future, then demands “action.” To “get” something you must “do” something.

May you transform hope, change and action into results.

And may you too prove, anything is possible!

Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.