Can you see customers from your office ? A case to keep marching!!

The business news continues to be uninspiring. Just this week, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley said slowing growth, “weak” job creation and declining inflation add up to a “wholly unsatisfactory” U.S. economy. “Given the outlook that the upturn appears likely to strengthen only gradually, it will likely be several years before employment and inflation return to levels consistent with the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate” for stable prices and maximum employment, Dudley said.

Similarly, Warren Buffett, the billionaire chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., said the effects of the financial crisis and the recession will be felt “for a long time” as the economy recovers.

So, what's a marketer to do?? Well, let's think about it. We could debate at length about the cause of the slow down, but that's yesterday's news. But let's do consider why businesses are sitting on "trillions of dollars" of cash. Or, why haven't you expanded you yourself expanded your business or invested in new marketing initiatives?? I suggest it's because hardly a week goes by that there isn't a new agenda item in Washington that plans more regulation, a greater burden to your business and another financial hoop to your bottom line.

This isn't a political blog, but what will be the consequences of the voter's backlash pundits anticipate on November 2nd? The freight train of expanding government control will be run off the tracks. And hence, the recovery can begin. It's all psychological. Once we as business owners can see a "horizon" we'll run for it with all our resources....more marketing, creative new ideas, maybe even a new "hire" along the way.


Yes, I CAN SEE NEW CUSTOMERS FROM MY OFFICE !!

How long should I sit on the sidelines ?

Everday there's more and more talk about recovery.

In Bloomberg today, check out this quote: "April 14(Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserve said the economy expanded "somewhat" across most of the US in March as consumer spending and manufacturing improved, signaling the recovery is broadening without gaining much speed."

So, how's your advertising budget these days ?? Are you still waiting it out? Study after study indicates those companies who continue to advertise during the slow times gain BIG TIME when folks start buying again. It only makes sense. If you are regularly reminded about a product, when you're ready to buy, that's most likely the one you'll get.

It's time to jump back into the pool. Pick a budget you can live with, one that's comfortable, but pick a budget. Invest it wisely, on target, with a compelling ad that "positions" your product/service precisely...then, ENJOY your INCREASED MARKET SHARE when you read next month's post.

Customers bugging you ??

We've all done it from time to time....get frustrated over a client. Maybe they're not "buying" into our strategy, not spending what we'd hoped for or anticipated.

What to do? It brings to mind one of the many valuable things my Daddy taught me years ago - be THANKFUL - even long beyond the namesake holiday. In fact, live in an attitude of thankfulness.

Why ? Well, it keeps things in perspective. After all, aren't we there to serve the client, not them serving us. REMEMBER that when the going gets a little tough, our services must be on their terms, meeting their needs, not ours.

Without those precious clients, how long would you keep your doors open? Actually, without those clients, would there be a reason to open the doors each day?

I've heard it said and maybe you have as well, at the end of the day, my attitude WILL DETERMINE my altitude in my pursuits - keep on keeping on as we all get better in this challenging business environment.

Go ahead, call up one of your customers, big or small, and thank them for their business. NOTE their response !! IT WORKS !!