Get Positive!

October 1st, 2009 by Ken • Related • Filed Under

Positive Attitude and Creativity

So far we have talked about 3 of the 4 tools in the ultimate THRIVAL kit:

Loyal Customers
Economical Marketing Strategies
Effective Processes

Along with each of these tools, we have provided tips and tricks and specific things you can do implement them in your own business. The final tip is a bit difficult because it all hinges on you. It is a positive attitude combined with a little creativity. With all of the negative news it can be hard to maintain a positive attitude. But being positive is exactly what can give you a competitive advantage and that little extra“oomph” to succeed.

History has shown downturns can be a great time to start a new venture. General Electric traces its roots to the Panic of 1873. William Hewlett and David Packard founded HP during the Great Depression. Microsoft launched during the recession of the early 1980s. Disney, Oracle, and Cisco, and countless others took the leap during difficult economic times, and reaped tremendous rewards for their efforts.

You too can be a bright light in a dark market!

Downturns are actually a great time to sign up new accounts. Because companies are examining every expense for ways to save. If you can demonstrate higher Differentiating Values than their curent verndor, you will have a decent chance of winning their business.

Get Creative!

“Innovation is ultimately not an act of intellect but of will”
(Joseph Schumpeter)

All too often the first thing large corporations cut during tough economic times is R&D, making it a great time to get your hands on talented innovators or to escalate your idea before the rest of the market. During a time when everyone is playing it safe, creativity really stands out. Focus on experiments and innovation that have low impact on the bottom line but the potential to help you stand out above the competition. When budgets are cut it forces you to get creative with your marketing so use this time to test out-of-the-box concepts that don’t cost a lot.

Plan for the future!

Now is the time to act in the present while preparing for the future. What you do now will directly impact your business stability and long-term growth.

Those who have the customer in their back pocket when the purse strings loosen are more likely to come out on the other end with a post of gold.
Just because prospects are not buying now, does not mean they wont buy later. Maintain your relationships and realize your sales cycle may take a little longer.
Assemble a long-term nurture plan for prospects who are not ready to buy today
Show prospects how they can get value from you now, even if they don’t pay everything up front.

Trends Taking Small Business Into the Future

Small businesses will expand their use of online marketing tools because they’re effective and efficient.
Small businesses will focus on customer loyalty to build lasting revenue streams
Small business will drive new customer acquisition through creative, new business models
Small businesses will need to turn to technology and automation in order to cut costs
Small businesses will rely on developing relationships to stay competitive

I hope you were able to distill a nugget or two of useful insight from our discussion on marketing in a down economy. I would love to hear your thoughts on the following: