Jan Buske asked:


‘t anyone that is not affected by the recession these days. From adjustable-rate mortgages, foreclosures, gargantuan gas prices and hikes in grocery items, we are all affected in one way or another.

Those planning to retire seem to be taking a major “hit” as they find their savings have shrunk and health benefits have risen along with all the other price increases already mentioned. Many continue working and many are returning to work just to make ends meet. Dreams and retirement plans are fading as this economy seems to worsen.

Those in direct selling or network marketing are feeling the pain of slower markets as well. However, there are things one can do to “ride the wave” and stay on top.

Mindset (or attitude) is everything in everything! It is extremely important to build your mindset that YOU CAN WIN IN THIS ECONOMY no matter where it is heading. Call it personal development or just plain “being positive”. Whatever you call it, it works!

It’s easy to see everything going on around you and think you will probably be affected in the same way others are by the down-turn in the market. But sometimes you hear of those who actually prosper and rise above the circumstances. How do they do it? Why can’t that be you? This is a time when many “throw in the towel” and give up, but it CAN be a real “gold-mining” opportunity for those who understand there is more than enough for everyone if they are willing to dig in and find the gold lining.

Personally developing your mindset with positive affirmations like, “I CAN WIN IN THIS ECONOMY” will work, but it is important that this thought become a vital part of your business if you want to continue succeeding.

It’s easy to stay “status quo” when everything is going well in the economy, but a smart business person realizes he may need to get out of his comfort zone during difficult times because his very survival may be dependent upon it.

So what should a business person be doing at this point?

Optimization is a sound strategy, even when the economy is stable, but especially in these times of recession. The way you did things in the past may not work in these times. You need to look where the opportunity is moving and don’t stick your head in the sand!

First of all, build your baseline strategy. In other words, keep doing what you have been doing but add or subtract to improve. For example, suppose you have a few avenues for marketing. But maybe this would be a good time to add “pay-per-click” to your advertising regimen to strengthen your position. Or maybe you have a marketing campaign that isn’t producing well, or maybe even COSTING you too much. It’s time to “trim the fat” and get rid of that marketing strategy.

A second idea might be to call your leads when no one else is . . . during the summer months. Many say summer time is a slow time. And they’re right . . . because they say it’s slow. And because they say it, they believe it and what they believe happens. Others will say it isn’t slow . . . and they are right too. And THAT is what makes the difference between mediocrity and greatness!

Obviously, one’s comfort zone is attacked having to “change” current modes of thinking, but again, survival may be dependent upon it.

Finally, building business “associations” can be such a blessing and will definitely build your business! Think about where associations can benefit you. Certainly a buddy who will exercise with you and a prayer partner to pray with you can help keep your head on straight and the use of anti-depressants to a minimum. And, basically making sure you have people rooting for you and/or pulling you up to the next “level” is a MUST in the business realm. Building relationships is a powerful survival tactic whether or not the economy is in a recession.

And now, if you think about it, recession-proofing is a good and prosperous thing in any area of your life . . . it mainly makes good sense!



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