Fellow hard working Americans,read the following and let's take control of the situation ourselves. That's how this country was born right? People weren't sent here with food,money and shelter and coddled until they succeeded...right? No, industrious,courageous immigrants fled the BS and came here to start something new. They suffered setbacks,death, and obstacles which they never imagined. They pressed forward hard and strong led by strong individuals who didn't hesitate but pushed aggressively until they found stability and success. We,as Americans come from this blueprint. We need to stay positive and be pro-active to overcome the current economic climate. I urge you to read the following.

TAKE ACTION TO THRIVE DURING A RECESSION

Ups and downs in the sales cycle are a part of every small business owner's experience.When sales dip,you re-focus on fundementals;when sales rise, you reinvest to fuel growth. But what should you do to thrive during a RECESSION?

First. manage your state of mind. Much of your business success
depends on how you view challenges It may sound trite, but
getting up everyday with an "I think I can" attitude rather than "I do
not think I can" has a measurable impact on your ability to win and
keep customers. A positive attitude does not mean fooling yourself
into believing there is no recession; it means embracing the necessity
for new tactics.

Second , use the economic downturn as a catalyst for change.
Now more than ever is the time to align your business with what
customers want.

DON'T HUNKER DOWN, FIRE UP.

The tendency to "hunker down" contributes to the slowdown and
disrupts the natural flow of market information. To thrive when
sales are threatened, work harder to understand your customers'
needs and expectations, communicate clearly and frequently
with your staff and increase networking opportunities to keep
information flowing.

1) WORK HARDER TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CUSTOMERS

During a recession, the priorties of your customers change
Whether you are a manufacturer, a hotelier or hairdresser. firsthand
knowledge of your customer's requirements is critical to your
business. It is not enough to imagine what your customers want.
You must get out of the office and into the heads and hearts of your
customers to become a market expert.

ASSESS. Avoid serious mistakes in evaluating customer problems by
avoiding assumptions and actually spending time with customers to
assess their needs and priorities today.

RESEARCH. Any business owner can take the pulse of his or her
customers by asking them, "What can we do to serve you better?"
Use surveys, phone interviews, and, if practical, formal and informal
focus groups to tease out customer problems, the reasons your best
customers buy, and their chief complaints

ADAPT TO MARKET FEEDBACK. When you understand your customers'
problems and their criteria for purchase, adapt to create or improve
goods and services that align with customer criteria. Continue
to monitor customers' buying habits to maintain the right mix of
products and services.

CHANGE SALES AND MARKETING TACTICS TO REFLECT CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS.
For example, if you are promoting cost savings s as the key benefit of
your service, but the majority of your customers' say they are in the
market for comfort and fewer hassles, shift your marketing strategy
to promote the benefits customers say they want.

FOCUS ON YOUR CUSTOMERS 'PROBLEMS AND NEEDS Use inexpensive tools
and strategies to build a bridge to your customers. After a purchase,
follow up with a phone call to say thank you. If a sale is lost. ask
the prospect what you could have done better. Use online surveys,
paint-of-sale questionnaires, direct mail and Web marketing to
uncover what your customers value the most. The reward is that you
will be relevant to them long after the recession ends.

2)COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR STAFF

During uncertain economic times, regular communication on
actionable topics will pull your staff together to fend off competitors,
increase solidarity and decrease negativity.

REALIGN YOUR WORKFORCE by speaking to them clearly about business
goals Explain the impact of the economic situation on the industry
and your business in particular. Be specific about what everyone is
required to do to weather the storm.

COMMUNICATE FREQUENTLY. In an uncertain economy, employees will
come to their own conclusions during long silences. Processes and
operations in your organization may need to shift to meet changing
customer demand. Make sure your people understand why, where
and what changes will occur in the business and the roles they play.

COORDINATE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS If you do not have
one, develop a b.asic communications plan in which you define your
organization's key messages Talking to your staff about how you
want your organization to be perceived by customers and the public
promotes understanding and builds individual commitment and
cooperation.

3) INCREASE NETWORKING

One of the most important strategies to keep information flowing in
and out of your business is expanding your professional network. In
addition to traditional associations, today, professional and social
networking is supported by Web-enabled applications designed to
connect you to ever-expanding communities and resources.

Web applications such as networking sites, wikis and blogs support
peer connections and collaborations. When you tap into this
collective intelligence, you will find energy, new ideas and passion
for solutions as well as others like you who are succeeding despite
the market recession.