And suddenly there is concern across the land.  Experts disagree, politicians exhibit caution, and the media scares up nightmares of the approaching uncertainty.  There is one factor to always be certain, and that is the fact that the marketplace is cyclical, and as sure as there are booming times, there will also be lean times. And the lean times have a name...

...Recession. We all need to prepare for the lean times.  How many businesses have you been associated with that were self-proclaimed "recession-proof"? Yes, we have known some of these, even so far as having been laid-off by a few.  Generating sales and profits in good times is challenging.  Creating sales in profits during lean times is critical.  Here are some three tips to help you create good times when the lean times roll:

1.  Invest in yourself.  Stay positive, exude enthusiasm, be goal oriented, and focus your efforts toward results of accomplishing you goals. Lean times begin with a state of mind, the recurring broadcast and bombardment of dire information, and the belief that one is a victim of the situation. Choose carefully who to listen to, what they are saying, and believe in what makes the most sense to your inner self.  Think you way through lean times.

2.  Be service intensive.  In good times and bad, other people are always looking for somenone who will and can do things for them in a timely fashion.  Develop an ability to accentuate your skills of providing service, and how your skills can help others.  Everyone has personal skills of value, both to the open marketplace and for themselves.  Tapping into these skills will go a long way to geting one through lean times.
 
3.  Network.  Make contacts, build relationships, create friendships, and enlist your network for help in accomplishing your goals.  You  are not alone, unless, of course, you choose to be alone. We are all worth something and your ability to let the world know about your availabilty can be priceless. Volunteer time for it may return to you in countless other ways.

As always, we welcome your comments.

The Plain Page Prophets