It's impossible to "recession-proof" our businesses. So?

By Guest Blogger, Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter

Amidst all the "how to" blog posts and articles listing survive and thrive tips - the reality is we can't really make our businesses or lives impervious to the slings and arrows of fortune, outrageous and otherwise.  We can, however, take charge of our own actions, in good times and bad. And, if you look around, there's still a lot of opportunity and positive people. (and, of course, happy babies.  How you can not look at that face and feel better?)    

So, instead of sitting around and worrying (trust me, I can obsess with the best of 'em), here's my positive-acting list.   

1.  Make just one follow-up or initial contact call a day. Pick up that phone and call an old customer, a potential new one, or a good business referral source.  You don't have to "sell" but you need to keep in touch.

2.  Get out from behind that desk or counter.  It's human nature for us to huddle and cocoon when things are getting tough.  But, you can't meet new opportunities if you're not out there. Have a dinner party (I've gotten some of my best business from friends of friends.)   Go to a networking lunch you've never attended before.  Join a non-profit committee.  Invite one of those people you called to coffee. If nothing else, it'll help you psychologically and the better you feel, the more you can do.

3.  Spend wisely. Well, duh Mary.  But, you can be frugal and still market (and live) well.  Maybe instead of that expensive radio ad, you have a customer appreciation open house (and invite some complementary businesses to share the expense.)  The worst thing you can do is completely shut down your sales and marketing efforts.  Look at your budget in terms of return on investment.   

You can also shop at thrift stores and flea markets.  Great deals and you're also being "green" - reusing and recycling. The local Salvation Army is my first source/choice for cool wine and martini glasses.  And, then when I break one them, it's not a tragedy, since I paid a whole 50 cents...I bought my "new" bike at Habitat Restore ($50 for what would be at least a $300 bike retail.)   

4.  Make a "good news" list.   Can't find any good news in the daily headlines?  Make your own! Write down five things that are going well in your life - business and personal.  They can be little - but little can make a big difference in your perspective.   Or, make a short list of things you can do to create good news (chair a food drive; mentor a college student; contribute to a homeless shelter)

You can also check out The Good News Network and their good bites of good news.  (one bite: Amazon deforestation has been reduced dramatically in Brazil.)

And, then there's the Good News Daily.

5. Don't read/listen to the bad news.  Sure, you need to keep informed, but you could spend your entire waking life reading about things you can do nothing about. So, take a break.  Turn off the television.  Avoid the political blogs.  Go for a walk. Spend an afternoon browsing the shelves of the local library. Take advantage of the free days at the museum.  Get some different perspective.   

"Woe is me" is always a self-fulfilling prophesy. 

 

Comments

[Yvonne DiVita]

I especially think your second point is very valuable. Get out in front of the people...it's all well and good to be active on the net, but Face2Face is still the best way to create interest and connections.

Sadly, I do not do enough of this. But, I plan on improving.

Thanks for this excellent list, Mary.

[Kelly Sabetta]

Great post, Mary. It's always uplifting to hear positive messages that can encourage all of us. Thanks for the tidbits of advice.

Sincerely,
Kelly Sabetta
www.bettabookpublishing.com