11.08.08
Will you see it as a big opportunity or will you throw in the towel?
I’m at the Dan Kennedy’s Info Marketing Summit, and the first presentation this morning was Dan talking about how info marketers should respond to this economy.
His view is the economy has changed…for the long haul. It’s not going back to what it used to be any time soon. We’re in a recession and it’s where we’re going to stay.
However, he also said this is the very best time to make money and find new opportunities. Because a lot of businesses are either going to give up or simply muddle along, not taking advantage of what this economy could give them. If you’re committed to being successful, this could be your time to shine.
It’s an interesting thought. A recession could be a gift. It could teach you how to be a better business person so not only you succeed during the recession but you’re then positioned for mega-success once the recession is over.
What are your thoughts? Are we really in a recession or will the economy bounce back quickly? And if we are in a recession, how do you think we should view it?
Christina said,
November 8, 2008 at 2:17 pm EST
I would agree that we are in a recession & it will be some time before we recover. It is true this is a perfect opportunity to become creative with your marketing, and deciding who your ideal target market will be. We live in a very affluent nation, which means there is plenty of $$ floating around, you just need to know how to attract it to your business. Now the real survivors will stand out.
Rhoberta Shaler, PhD said,
November 8, 2008 at 2:21 pm EST
Hi, Michele,
I’m glad to read in your email that there’s no proof of recession at Dan’s event with that great turn out.
Recession means two things, according to the dictionary: the act of withdrawing, and a period of reduced economic activity. It seems clear that both those are in our hands.
Certainly, it is wise–as any good general will tell you–to pull back and examine your position before proceeding. Reconnoiter and make a plan. Then, enact the plan.
No one saves their way to success in the business world! We know that. You have to have:
> a well-thought out business and marketing plan
> expert support through a mentor or coach to keep you focused and accountable,
> the conviction to live aligned with your values, principles and processes, and,
> a community that engages, embraces and respond to you.
With that in place, you can Tame Tense Times!
Live richly in every way.
Rhoberta
Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
Psychologist. Consultant. Coach. Catalyst.
Helping Businesses Prosper & People Flourish
…especially in tough, turbulent & tense times
http://www.TamingTenseTimes.com
Get what you need to be a “Tense Times Tamer” for less than the price of a movie each month.
Jeff Herring - The Article Marketing Guy said,
November 8, 2008 at 2:23 pm EST
Hi Michelle!
While there are people that are really hurting bcuz of the economy, I’m like you, the people I hang with the most are not suffering from it and have refused to participate.
Now is the best time to have a biz on the internet bcuz of low overhead, extended reach, and many more reasons (think there is an article there?)
I’ve heard people say the now is a risky time to launch or build a business on the ‘Net buy I say the opposite:
“Now is the riskiest time yet NOT to have a biz on the Internet.”
Tell Nick that Buddy says hi!
Jeff
Geri Lafferty said,
November 8, 2008 at 2:25 pm EST
I absolutely agree with Dan on this. We are definitely in a recession and it’s not going to go away overnight. And as a virtual assistant, I see mounds of opportunity as companies move to cut payroll but still need good administrators.
I also agree that this recession is a great opportunity to hone our skills and look at how we conduct our business, and how best to improve and streamline the bottom line.
Always a “glass half-full” believer, I am optimistic. After all, what is the alternative? We either change and move forward or we don’t. Those of us in business for ourselves have the luxury of choice.
Thank you for the thought-provoking post.
Nathanial Petersen said,
November 8, 2008 at 2:38 pm EST
I think there is alot more not being said that should be said. However, If Obamas policies get implemented we will see our liberties diminish and that includes our businesses. All we can do from here is to move forward and fight for our freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
MaryPat said,
November 8, 2008 at 5:10 pm EST
Michele,
I completely agree with Dan. This is a GREAT time for new opportunities. Perhaps we need to think outside the box (which is difficult when you are scared). Perhaps you need to build a joint venture with a new friend. But whatever your angle there is opportunity surrounding us right now!
As entrepreneurs, we are not limited by our corporate format for business. So go out and position yourself for success!
Thanks, also, for sharing your Dan Kennedy thoughts with those of us who are not there this year!
Amy said,
November 8, 2008 at 5:19 pm EST
Hi Michele,
I got your email this morning about being at Dan Kennedy’s event - very cool! I also saw your testimonial on Beth Schneider’s website this morning - also very cool. And again, I just saw MaryPat K’s tweet about your DK updates - wow with the power of social media you are all over the place today!
It is exciting to hear about all of the dynamic things that are going on for you right now and look forward to the next update. Enjoy your weekend!
Amy Miyamoto
On Twitter @LotusAmy
Michele Zwillinger said,
November 8, 2008 at 5:20 pm EST
Hi Michele,
Hope you are enjoying Dan’s Info Marketing Summit. Not only will you return with great business ideas, but you’ll be highly motivated to implement some as soon as you return. Do so, or you’ll get back into the routine and all of this will be just a memory. (Do what I say, not what I do!)
As for your question about the recession - from all that I read and hear, not only are we in a recession, but it will probably get worse before it gets better. However, the smart business people will use this time to do their research (hint, hint) to motivate more purchases now than last year, and position themselves to really take off after the recession ends.
Michele Zwillinger
Zwillinger Research
Luca - Reach Success Online said,
November 8, 2008 at 5:46 pm EST
The economy is in trouble and we must adapt as we have in the past, well those of us old enough to know that this to shall pass. He’s right that if we don’t panic and take action we will find new opportunities
Beth said,
November 8, 2008 at 8:30 pm EST
Just this week alone one of the daily ezines I get quit publishing stating the economy as the reason, a casino in my local area went out of business, the job ads in the local paper are few, and the car dealers are making incredible deals to move their inventory, to name just a few things I have noticed.
Everything points that this is going to be a long economic downturn for the majority. I do not plan to to be in that majority! It’s going to take a lot of people with a positive mindset to turn this around. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from all that is happening. I actually think this could be a good thing to wake people up to the fact that they need to take responsibility for their actions. It has definitely made me become aware of how much we all take for granted and how wasteful we can be. I am doing something about it in my own life.
Jennifer Grainger said,
November 9, 2008 at 9:43 am EST
Capitalism, as we know it is dead. Those of us in the spiritual community have known this was coming for years. We have been expecting every structure we are familiar with to collapse so a new, better form of life can evolve. Patriarchy is dying so that a partnership model can evolve.
Expect the collapse of the education system, corporate structure, health care, government, you name it. And be glad for it. The new paradigm is upon us and right on time (hopefully, not too late).
People who are connected to their Source (divine guidance) and have transcended the limits of the rational mind will always find themselves in the right place at the right time, surfing the chaos and navigating the flow.
This is an exciting time to be alive, and as long as a person is conscious and aware and doesn’t get caught up in the “reality” and become afraid, one will come out the other side just fine.
Love and light,
Jennifer T. Grainger
Spiritual Growth Coach and Mentor
Kathleen Ann said,
November 9, 2008 at 2:23 pm EST
I agree with these sentiments Michelle - in fact I wrote in my blog last month “don’t buy into the Chicken Little story - focus on your marketing” http://www.powerupyourmarketing.com/blog.
Dan is in agreement with all the leading marketers who know from experience that opportunities are there for those who stay in the game.
Lani Voivod, "Content Lover" of Epiphanies, Inc. said,
November 10, 2008 at 10:07 am EST
Hey PW!
Yes, by all official, objective measures, we’re officially in a Recession with a capital R.
For solo professionals and small biz owners, there’s a real gift to being in a Recession. In a nutshell, it lights a fire under our posteriors.
A true-blue Recession forces us to:
1) Evaluate our market position
2) Re-evaluate (or consider, perhaps, for the first time) our personal goals and vision
3) DECIDE whether we still want to move forward with our current business, upgrade to the next-level version of our biz, or throw in the towel all together
If we previously had the luxury to putz and procrastinate and just hang out in the status quo of our client situation, we’re “strongly inspired” to wake up, seize our strengths, and take intelligent action.
Hey - we’re human. We generally like to be comfortable, we resist change, and we put off today what we think we can get away with doing tomorrow. The gift in a Recession is we get the kick in the pants we so surely need to quit the useless dilly-dallying, and create the bigger, brighter, better version of ourselves and our ventures.
Ain’t that cool, tho’?
Can’t wait to hear what else you learned from Dan’s workshop, Michele.
-Lani Voivod
Epiphanies, Inc.
“A-Ha Yourself!”
http://www.AhaYourself.com