PRO-active vs. RE-active

Jeff Degler Blog ,

I’ve always had a PRO-ACTIVE approach when it comes to Marketing/Sales. I learned early enough in my career that you ‘face’ situations early (& often) BEFORE things get “out-of-hand’ with a client.

YES……..it does suck to ‘fess-up’ IF a Marketing Plan that you (originally) came up with isn’t working, but at least you have a chance to fix it………BEFORE you get FIRED by the client.  Because:  IF you stick your head-in-the-sand and don’t deal with it <right away>……….I can GUARANTEE it WILL happen.

Recently, I had an interaction where I was the client and I had a very clear ‘upfront’ conversation with the Sales Rep on the four(4) things that would get THEM fired.   They were:

  • Being Proactive vs. Reactive
  • MORE THAN a ‘Once a year contact’ with ME
  • Sticking me in a “Set it and forget it” program
  • Not putting me in a ‘Cookie Cutter’ system

Well……..they were ZERO for Four and (let’s just say) I’m no longer doing business with them

Let’s focus on being PRO-Active for this post and we’ll deal with the others – later.

What Does it Mean by Being Proactive?

Being proactive means taking initiative and making things happen rather than waiting for them to occur. The term “active” implies action or doing something, while the prefix “pro-” signifies being prepared or ready beforehand.

At its core, being proactive means taking initiative and responsibility for your own actions and outcomes. In essence, being proactive is about being in control of your own destiny, rather than letting external circumstances dictate your path. It involves anticipating future needs and challenges, and taking preemptive action to address them.

Whether it’s in the workplace, relationships, or personal growth, being proactive empowers you to shape your reality rather than being at the mercy of it.

But perhaps one of the most crucial aspects of proactivity is its relationship with time. Time is the currency of life, and how we choose to spend it. They don’t waste time on little things or get stuck by delaying tasks. Instead, they invest their time wisely, focusing on activities that move them closer to their goals and priorities.

The Five Ps of Proactiveness

Proactiveness can be broken down into five essential components, often referred to as the Five Ps – Predict, Prevent, Plan, Participate, and Perform. Let’s di into each one:

Predict

The first step in being proactive is the ability to predict potential challenges or opportunities before they arise. This involves staying alert and attuned to changes in our environment, whether it’s in the workplace, or our personal lives. By anticipating future scenarios, we can better prepare ourselves to respond effectively, minimizing the impact of potential obstacles and maximizing the benefits of emerging opportunities.

Prevent

Once we’ve identified potential challenges or risks through prediction, the next step is to take proactive measures to prevent them from occurring. This could involve implementing safeguards, establishing backup plans, or addressing issues before they have a chance to manifest fully. By being proactive in prevention, we can avoid unnecessary setbacks and maintain a smoother path toward our goals.

Plan

Proactivity is not just about reacting to the present moment; it’s also about planning for the future. Effective planning involves setting clear objectives, outlining strategies to achieve them, and allocating resources wisely. By taking the time to map out our goals and the steps required to reach them, we can navigate obstacles more efficiently and stay on course even when faced with unexpected challenges.

Participate

Actively engaging with our surroundings and taking an active role in shaping our circumstances can help to be proactive. This involves seeking out opportunities for collaboration, networking, and community involvement. By participating actively in our professional and personal spheres, we can expand our horizons, forge meaningful connections, and tap into valuable resources that can further our goals.

Perform

Ultimately, proactiveness is about taking action and following through on our plans and commitments. It’s not enough to simply predict, prevent, plan, and participate; we must also deliver results. This requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt in the face of challenges. By consistently performing at our best and striving for excellence in all that we do, we can realize our full potential and achieve the success we desire.

 

How to Be More Proactive at Work

To excel in your career, proactivity is paramount. Take ownership of your projects, seek out opportunities for professional development, and actively contribute innovative ideas to your team.

How to be more proactive at work

Develop your strategic thinking skills

Set SMART goalls

Better time management

Develop a growth mindset

Foster Open Communication with your colleagues

 

Conclusion

Mastering the art of proactiveness is essential for achieving success and fulfillment in today’s world. By embracing a proactive mindset and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can take control of your destiny and create a future filled with opportunities for growth and achievement.

Try these things and I KNOW you’ll start to appreciate YOUR results………….and so will your Clients.