WHAT SLOW ECONOMY?

Everyone knows we are in difficult economic times. Wages

and employment have been flat. Interest rates are near
zero, which is great for investors but terrible for retired
folks.  Every day, someone advises me to "buy gold" or
stockpile food for the "coming crash." Thousands of
businesses, large and small, are reporting lower earnings
or slowing growth. It's become a mantra of our times.
Except for those who know better. In the midst of all this
bad news, some businesses are expanding. Some are growing,
adding new customers, finding solutions and getting rich.
They have found ways to add unexpected value, make larger
contributions, solve problems and make life better for
their customers. So should you!
Some have reduced prices, added features or benefits.
Others have created whole new divisions or products and are
penetrating markets they might never have considered before
"hard times" forced them to be creative and consider new
options.
Human nature has not changed. Everyone loves a bargain.
People still want solutions, benefits and great customer
service. Yes, in many cases margins are down and making the
sale has become harder. Yes, the old exuberance is gone and
now you must earn business in more thoughtful ways. But
that does not change the fundamental equation: People want
bargains!
To profit in these "hard" times the old principles still
apply. Find a need and fill it. Provide value. Go the extra
mile. Listen to your customers to find out what they need
and want. Work with them to find effective, efficient
solutions and they will still beat a path to your door.
It's easy to make money when times are good, but the really
great fortunes are made when times are hard. Businesses who
are able to partner with their customers during hard times
forge bonds of loyalty that endure.