Facing the 'R' Word

Word on the street is that there is a recession in town. It is bearing down on consumers, causing businesses to tighten their belts and slashing budgets, profit margins and overall confidence in our way of life.

So what do we do as innovative, proactive business people?

I would humbly assert that we do only what we should be doing in the best of times. Run lean? Yep. Be frugal? Sure. Be thoughtful with every decision and make the most of every opportunity to market, sell and properly position our business? Without a doubt.

I have seen some very useful lists for how to combat a downward economy, but they all are really just important reminders about how to do business the right way – no matter which way the market is headed or how much a half gallon of ice cream costs. The advice is solid any time, it just so happens that it is now more important than ever.

I acknowledge that there are fundamental economic factors in play that make commerce more challenging at certain times, but I still ask the same question, “What are we supposed to do about it?”

It is not like we can take a time out until things settle down.

We charge forward with confidence, because we know what we’re doing and we hope for the best. We are smart about money, creative in our marketing and wise with our hires. We make every decision count and we stay focused on our goals. If we get knocked down, we get back up – because it’s the only choice we have.

And when we get through this time and ask what’s next, we already have the answer.

More of the same.

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