Inspiration

Recession? Bah Humbug.

July 20th, 2009

Written by: Lera Germaine

Ok, so maybe it’s no longer possible to naysay and deny that the US – the world – is in a recession.  Despite our very own Janet Washburn’s upset outcries almost a year ago “Stop saying it’s a recession! It’s not one, and the only reason it will be is because everyone keeps saying it is.” Unfortunately either a) Janet was wrong and it was/is one or b) Janet was right and everyone in the country demonstrated their own self-fulfilling prophecy of economic downturn.

You don’t need me, or anyone else to tell you that the economy is less than stellar. It’s been that way a while, and though things may be (am I allowed to say it?) looking up a little, there won’t be any instantaneous click-our-heels three times and it will all be over remedy. We still have to get the house off the witch and the shoes off her feet.

However, no matter how bad things might have gotten, or might still get, by no means should we tremble under our desks in the fetal position with our  arms over our heads waiting for the next aftershock to hit. We need to don our hard hats and start picking up the pieces that have fallen off the shelves.

No matter who or what you are – a brand, company or independent person, there are three things you need to do. Do these things no matter what, but especially during a recession.

1. INNOVATE. Use what you have, and make it better. Some of the best-known products and brands were created during a recession (all brands and companies below were founded/created during recessionary periods). People around the country are taking their lighter wallets as a sign to heavy up on the ingenuity. Resourcefulness can go a long way in creating new and much-needed products, and in taking what you already have and finding fresh and exciting ways for use. http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/25/business/fi-inventors-box25

   

2. ADVERTISE. If you’re a brand, advertising can be your best friend (and I promise I’m not just saying that because they paid me to). When the economy starts an official recovery, it won’t just be your company that starts feeling like it’s a little ‘safer’ to spend money on marketing. If you cut  back drastically on advertising when times are tough, you’ll drop off the radar and out of the minds of consumers the same way everyone else will that stops putting their name out there. It’s the brands that continue to be visible during the good, bad and indifferent times that remain top-of-mind.If you’re an individual person – advertise yourself. Don’t sit on your couch in your pajamas watching TV every free moment you get, get yourself out there. There are plenty of cheap or free things to do that can continue to build your network of contacts and help to build your own personal brand.
3. BE POSITIVE. Things will be right again. The only way the world stays balanced is with the constant flow of up and down. Inevitably, another recession will come again in the future, but then it will again recede for better times to come. Things may be hard now, but someday, and I’d like to think soon, the light bulb (which was also invented during a recession) will go on and we’ll all realize the worst is behind us.