It May Be Time To Step On The Gas!



The Squeeze Is Still Necessary!



During periods when recession activities are present business responsibilities are mainly centered around budget cuts, lay-offs and belt tightening policies.  This is not only responsible business play but required business decision making for allowing your business model increased survival opportunities during recession periods.

Although budget controls are still critical to maintain, it may be time to find a way to dedicate resources directed at making a stronger "market position" move.  Keep in mind, nearly every business player is stressed financially.  You are not alone.  The business world is filled with models trying to operate with limited capital and reduced levels of human resources on hand.  Most of the competition you face is facing what you are facing.  One of the great 'arts' in competitive areas is to make sure your competition does not recognize how wounded you have become.  Your competition is practicing this same 'art.'  Do not, for once, be fooled by the efforts they employ to convince you they are healthy and strong.  They aren't.

  It may be time to consider making a play to increase your market share.  The  

  consumer markets are not healthy enough to have everyone at once make this 

  move, but the few who courageously step out may find it worthwhile to attract what 

  short buying is occurring.  Be very aware of what you spend and how deeply you cut

  apart other portions of your business to fund this move.  Work closely with your

  budgeting process and pay very close attention to the return this move may generate. 

  Be able to quickly move away from it if it does not return enough volume to justify

  the move.  This kind of move is not designed to boldly take over all markets.  The

  recession is not healthy enough to provide you with enough good success for that

  kind of investment.  Think more in terms of simple, small unique attraction

  promotions, new product introductions and timely community events.  Try to develop

  a plan that may run a series of these three categories together for a one or two

  quarter effort.  Try to develop a creative marketing plan through the involvement of  as many outside organizations you can link with who will help provide you with non-employee networks that will attract increased participation and media without too much in company costs.  These type of efforts are high in energy but require a great deal of energy to produce.  Be aware of how much in your own energy therms you will need to provide in order to make this work well.  Remember, you are interested in attracting new market shares with a limited budget.  You are trying to lift your business name up higher during these slower periods of consumer activity.



Timing Is Everything!

 

Think this through but do not be afraid to make a move. The timing may be ideal. You have many great options to serve with many great ideas floating around. Snag a good series of them and string them together for about six months. I think you will be pleased you did.

Be professional in your effort, serve well, and good luck...be strong.