Thursday, February 26, 2009

Why business marketers need to set up their own stimulus package

By Jay S NaPier

With today's economy being what it is, it's important for business owners to be in a position where they can profit no matter what. We see it every day, major companies going out of business. We hear about all the layoffs. These things create a fear within our economy and within local businesses. Because of these fears, it's important for business owners to reassess the products and services they sell and how they sell them.

To eliminate this challenge, you should take a look at your gross income over the last 12 to 24 months and compare it to the last six marks. Are people still buying what you're selling? are they buying the same quantity they used to? in today's economy people are no longer buying the things that they used to buy just six months ago. People have cut back in many areas of their personal finances. Things that people used to buy on a weekly or monthly basis have now become luxury items that are no longer buying.

Getting creative in your business today is important. You've got to ask yourself what you should be selling and will you sell enough of it to make it profitable? the most creative business owners are now creating continuity programs also known as subscription services that allow them to better manage their business and more consistently get their cash flow.

Take a look at your personal monthly bills. Where have you consistently spent your money? Is it possible for you to turn those monthly expenses into a profit center for your business? according to the National Retail Federation, we are committed to using today's technology. More than 80% of us wouldn't give up Internet access. Almost 2/3 wouldn't cancel a cell phone, and more than 60% would never drop cable or satellite television.

This says a lot about how people spend their money and how we have raised our expectations over the last few years. Can you remember a time when you didn't have a cell phone? what about cable or satellite? what else do you consistently spend your money on that would allow you to build your business during the recession, and continue to profit?

While people today do have a fear of recession and of losing their job, the smart business owner has changed the products they sell, How they sell them, and even where they sell. For example: a dry cleaner may choose to sell $200 worth of dry cleaning services for $50 using a coupon book. This generates income, and insurers that their customers will not go to a cheaper competitor.

As the stock market continues to rock people's confidence levels it makes it tough for a business owner to have consistent cash flow in their business. Businesses that were doing $4000 a day are now seeing their business average $2000-$3000. And for smaller businesses, it just makes it worse. Those that would normally spend $80-$100 eating out on Friday night are now settling for a $20 pizza.

Today's business owner has got to be prudent about what they are selling, where they are selling it, and for how much? in today's economy it's only common sense to be selling what people need, not what they want - as bad as were people today are spending their money. - 15433

About the Author: