Don't waste this crisis!

Positive thoughts and actions pay off in tough times.

One of my clients asked me today how it is that I’m always “up” and positive about things when so many businesses seem to be running out of steam, laying people off and reporting more pain yet to come.

I replied that there are some unique opportunities in amongst all the chaos. I am too busy working to identify them and using them to improve my life and the lives of others to ever feel down!

I could see he was unconvinced, and he challenged me to come up with 10 reasons why the crunch/recession/downturn isn’t all bad…

1: In a slowdown, it’s easier to see which of your goods and services are relatively unprofitable, and to focus on your core strengths or in developing your next core strength.

2: Many companies have reduced customer service and support staff. If you’re a competitor of theirs, they’ve made it relatively easier for you to impress in your own marketplace.

3: Advertising is cheaper and more accessible. I heard of a radio station offering 5 times the airtime per pound than 12 months ago, and some local free newspapers are desperate for your business at any price!

4: PR exposure is easier to achieve. Most of the media are eager to promote good news about the economy. Make a big noise if you’ve won a new order, opened a new site or similar.

5: Business supplies are really cheap. Now’s the time to replace the photocopier, stock up on stationery or give the office a makeover.

6: Vehicle leasing and purchase deals are incredibly sharp. That new van or company car has never made more sense.

7: Commercial property values are on the floor. Grab a bargain by purchasing or renting smart new premises you couldn’t have afforded a year ago.

8: It’s a great time to learn how to cut costs intelligently. When the economy upturns, you’ll be more profitable than before.

9: Government assistance is genuinely more available than ever. Check out the Solutions for Business portfolio via Business Link.

10: Recruitment is an employer’s market. Why not strengthen your sales or marketing departments, from a wide choice of potential staff at relatively low cost?

Have a question you'd like Jon, founder of JupiterDawn Consulting, to address? You can submit it by either adding a comment to this post online or by e-mailing it to jon@jupiterdawn.com