Every time you turn on the TV or open the paper it’s all doom and gloom. However, I am thrilled that the media is bombarding us with bad news about the economy. I know it may sound crazy, but I love
recessions. Am I crazy? Let me explain...

Remember Mr. Blackwell’s "Top Ten Worst Dressed List"? Allow me to present my "Top Ten Reason Why Recessions are Wonderful for You and Your Business".

1. We shop around for better pricing, better suppliers, etc.
2. We pay more attention to, and make decisions that are based upon the global picture, not just the local one.
3. We stop taking day-to-day business life for granted and plan ways to work smarter.
4. We finally stop putting up with things; including the people in and around our business who are costing us money, are unproductive or drain our coffers.
5. We examine our costs more closely and cut unnecessary expenses. This is the time to remember that saving one dollar in costs gives you an extra dollar in profit. Meanwhile one dollar increase in revenue doesn’t translate into one dollar profit. Your costs are still coming off of it.
6. We stop taking our existing customers for granted and plan ways to spoil them, thus creating long-term customer loyalty.
7. We become far more creative, innovative and have more fun!
8. We stop and re-examine our values and vision. If necessary, we create and adjust goals to the new vision.
9. We are more focused on sales and marketing, and realize the importance of ongoing activities that build a new client base.
   
   AND now the Best reason why recessions are so good for us and our business:
   
10. We finally write a new business plan or rewrite the old one so that this time it really works for us.

Recessions remind us that business should never be taken for granted. The world around us is in constant flux and change, so is our business. As owners, we often forget that our business is a living entity that requires constant creative and innovative planning, fresh new daily, weekly and long-term goals, and sound financial management. For continued success, the business always requires strong support teams along with a huge customer base of fans.

This recession is reminder that if you have just been doing what you’ve always done, then it’s time to stop and change! Get rid of what’s not working and who’s not working. Recessions are an excellent opportunity for business cleansing. Celebrate along with me. Be one of the strong to survive.