I live in Florida, south Florida, to be exact. This is a haven for small businesses to thrive and provide all the tourists with whatever it is that they might need upon getting off the plane. Unfortunately, the small business doesn't have the resources as the big guys and usually rely on word-of-mouth, handouts, coupons, yellow pages and the like.
If they used the internet, they could capture all the tourists on their cell phone. Imagine what it would do for you if you were the top local search for "pizza" on google maps. The reason that its important, is that new phones, like the iphone are internet based, so visitors to your city, town, or just lazy people who don't want to go to the computer, just type in "pizza" and boom, instantly, there is your name.
That is my idea to capitalize, instead of capsize in this social media wave, get some SEO done, optimize your website, if you don't have a website, get one. Its 2009 already people, you NEED a website.
byecksmanon10-13-200903:24 AM- last edited on10-13-200910:51 AMbyZanetaB
to get through the recession i no longer shop brick and mortar. honestly, i have been trying to purchase all my goods online. i even compare prices for services i need. i find that i spend much less money when i purchase items online. also, the purchases tend to be more deliberate, therefore i am less likely to impulse shop. i used to shop at Best Buy but now I buy everything online. also, i lost my health insurance recently and I definitely can not afford my prescriptions at full price, so i buy them too online. I know alot of people worry that its a scam, but if you do your research you'll find very safe, reputable places online that give you information about who to order from. There are tons. I'm sure you can find them on google, but my favore itsall my clothes i buy online. this is a big one, especially i think for women. Also, when it comes to food, i order in bulk and i never eat out. also, alway google for coupon codes. you are very likely to find coupon codes for anything from electronics to pharmacy to clothing. okay, well i hope those tips help you get through the recession a little easier.
We're marketing through professional and board memberships and volunteer activities as a way to get our name out in the public eye. For example, we are active members of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Montgomery County Business Roundtable for Education. We also participate in volunteer activities, such as providing training to Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School. These activities allow us to interact with other businesses that would contract with us for training and also give us opportunities to publicize our efforts to the media.
IN this evil economic time, I started a business, actually two. My wife and I started a Reiki business and I started an online business. What better timing?
Also, another great strategy is to invest in yourself. When other stocks are low and waining, you can always get a sure return on a continued education.
I've bought more business/marketing books, gone to more courses, and attended more seminars this past 18 months than ever in my life and I am seeing immediate returns.
One thing that I notice is that people have a tendency to take things for granted, especially me. But to go through tough times usually puts things back into perspective and makes you re-evaluate things as to what's a real priority and what's not.
This "recession" has slowed alot of people down and I think more and more people are learning to be conservative, less materialistic, and more value driven.
All in all, I think the effects will be long lasting and have a positive impact in how we live day to day and how we teach our kids to live. Not to mention how we run our businesses from now on.
Just because there is a "recession" doesn't mean that we have to become recession-minded.
By allowing those ideas to infiltrate our mind, we begin to succumb to the recession-mentality.
My idea is to guard your mind, your heart, and your soul. Keep an abundance/faith mentality and don't get sucked into the whole recession idea. Your world is primarily shaped from the inside-out, but if you allow it to be shaped from the outside-in, then you will only become a product of the world around you. Be an influencer to change the world not let the world change you...
byRentalLeaseon10-14-200907:57 PM- last edited on10-15-200909:03 AMbyNicoleD
Part of the problem with the housing market is the abundance of supply and lack of demand, which makes it extremely difficult to sell (and easy to buy).
If you want to take advantage of the buyer's market, without having to sell your existing house, sign a rental agreement on it instead of trying to sell it. You'll ride out the bad market, and in a year or two when home values are higher again you'll be in a much better position to sell.
And, you'll know that you're contributing to the solution and not the problem, by contributing to demand instead of the over-abundant supply on the market.
Here's a site with state-specific rental agreement forms if you need them, being a landlord does require some initial investment of work on your part, but the reward of monthly cash flow and flexibility in selling is worth the effort.
Best of luck navigating the recession and the housing slump, and best of luck with your business!
bypetrosianiion10-11-200909:02 PM- last edited on10-13-200901:27 PMbyZanetaB
I agree with ElmStreetDesign: A website in today's Internet-driven economy is a must.
What we've done to stave off the recession: Took a second look at our Profit/Loss Statement to see where we could cut unnecessary expenditures and perhaps move some funds over to areas that were lacking.
In these recessionary times small business owners have been forced to implement creative tactics to maintain their business -- from budgeting resources to marketing to retaining customers. Share one effective tactic you’ve taken in response to the recession.
