DISQUS

Barbara Swafford · 10 months ago

Hi Christine - I'm like you and find the news is often doom and gloom. Although I will listen to it, I find myself shutting it off more often and finding something more positive to read or listen to.

We have a small business, and with it being in the construction industry we see a slowdown but always go above and beyond. Whereas others have gone out of business, we're still hanging in there. *fingers crossed*.

<abbr>Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Law Suits, Death Threats and Cyber Bullys</abbr>

J.D. Meier · 10 months ago

I like your point on we create our own economy.

I do think we're in a contraction, following a bunch of expansion. That will just help refocus on business value. I think there's also some deltas between intrinsic value and market value.

There's a lot to be said for consumer confidence, consumerism, and demand generation.

I think Blue Oceans will make new opportunities and growth. I think the key these says is a simple rule of follow the growth. Some things are on the decline, but some things are definitely on growth tracks.

<abbr>J.D. Meier’s last blog post..How to Pave a Path Forward</abbr>

Anthony Verna · 10 months ago

I really should visit Gray's Papaya, especially with the Recession Specials.

Christine · 10 months ago

@Barbara--As you say, you go above and beyond no matter what is going on with the economy. Sad to say there are many businesses out there big and small who don't abide by that motto. Dare I say it's at least a part of what got us into this mess in the first place?

@J.D.--I like that, thinking of it in terms of a contraction. That's really the only way it could go. Agree that many with the Blue Ocean strategies will be the ones to grow and thrive.

@Anthony--HA! Only a true NYC guy recognizes that place! Please visit and do let us know how the hot dogs are. :)

Dennis Edell · 10 months ago

People are indeed still spending but in a much different way. I was just discussing this with my mother earlier tonight; if you're in any sort of "fix it" trade today, you're probably having very few worries.

It seems everything from shoes to trucks are being repaired a lot more often then the old days of *toss and buy new*.

<abbr>Dennis Edell’s last blog post..Best “Blog Improvement Review” Contest - 1 Winner - $100 via Paypal</abbr>

Sara · 10 months ago

Hi Christine -- This is my first visit and I liked your post very much. Like you, I have stopped watching the news because I really hate the negativity the news media creates. I'm a firm believer that negativity attracts negativity. We will not make things better by constantly talking about how bad they are! I believe we need to focus on what we can do to help. I think the best thing that small businesses can do is build consumer confidence and remind us that we will get through this time, if we work together :~)

Christine · 10 months ago

@Dennis--Good point Dennis. So often what is looked at is what kinds of things money is not being spent on ANYMORE. But it might be interesting to see where money is simply being shifted around and spent elsewhere due to this climate.

@Sara--Thank you! Couldn't agree with you more. The negativity and panic breeds more of the same. Small businesses are in a good position to inspire confidence where they can.

Jannie Funster · 10 months ago

Congrats on NBOTW at Barbara Swafford's!!

I think small business owners thrive due to the entrepreneurial nature that's in them - like my husband!! They just get smarter, more creative and keep the boaat afloat.

And, in my opinion our new gov is doing its best to stop that spirit. Sorry for waxing political here.

<abbr>Jannie Funster’s last blog post..So there!</abbr>

Christine · 10 months ago

@Jannie--Thanks! It is very cool of her to highlight bloggers like she does.

Sometimes I think that entrepreneurs are just their own special breed. It's almost as if there is something in them that just cannot be held down. :) It's that spirit in them, you know?

Jannie Funster · 10 months ago

Thanks for popping over to my place too, Christine.

I n the hospital where my hubby was born they had 3 sections in the nursery-- Girls, Boys and Born Salesmen. Guess which group my sweetie was in? :)

<abbr>Jannie Funster’s last blog post..So there!</abbr>

Betsy Wuebker · 10 months ago

Hi Christine - Congratulations! This topic resonates with me, as I am speaking at our local wholesale gift mart the week after next on this very topic to anxious gift store owners.

It's funny, we have almost 50 franchise locations in our corporate gift company. It's fair to say that in the four countries we operate, the recession is definitely in full swing. Yet, some franchisees are doing well, and others not so much. The difference is outreach. As in, not waiting for the customers to come in the door once it's unlocked and the lights are on in the morning. It's avidly courting community within their customer base: not relying on advertising, but actively marketing and creating a reason for customers to come in, whether it's an event or a preferred customer program, etc. In other words, you are so right: it's reaching out, and creating/nurturing a meaningful relationship.

<abbr>Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES</abbr>

Anthony Verna · 9 months ago

I always find that it is my ability to be personable that separates how I operate from other intellectual property attorneys. That ability to reach out, smile, and speak intelligently on my areas of law is what attracts people.

Christine · 9 months ago

@Jannie--hey, it's a great skill to have naturally!

@Betsy--Thanks! Exactly--outreach, courting, ACTIVELY marketing. All great practices in good times and bad! Thanks for sharing that example.

@Anthony--I can attest to that about you Anthony. Being knowledgeable is one thing, but combined with being able to communicate and connect effectively can put you miles ahead of the competition. It's about respect and humanization.

Tom Volkar / Delightful Work · 9 months ago

Of course we create our own economy, in both good times and bad. For entrepreneurs, our business is always a reflection of our self-worth and what we think we can handle well. Bring it on world! If we all created an attitude of expansion this collective fearful shit would disappear over night!

It's good to see you inspiriting the upswing Christine!

<abbr>Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..How To Get the Best Career Advice</abbr>

Christine · 9 months ago

@Tom--Thanks! And I fully agree.