Have you been watching all the media coverage about the threat to small business? There's so much of it, it's pretty hard to miss. But, it's also important to remember that the media's job is to sell newspapers and attract viewers.
Despite what they've been telling you, it's a great time to own a small business. If you're a small business owner, you knew going in that this wasn't going to be easy. If you wanted easy, you wouldn't have listened to that little voice that told you could do something better than what everyone else was doing. Instead, you believed in your talents and your creativity. You knew you could use them to accomplish something better. And now you can. This is the opportunity you've been waiting for. As a small business owner, you don't need to be afraid of getting laid off, or not getting a raise this year. Your position is secure, and how much money you make next year depends only on you. You're actually in a perfect position to take advantage of this economic downturn. Unlike large companies, you're easily able to adapt to what your target market needs, and make sure you're meeting those needs. That's right - your target market still needs you. That fact hasn't changed. Exactly what they need from you may be changing, but they still have goals they need your help to reach. What does your target market need from you right now? If you're not sure, you need to find out. Start connecting with them in the places where they spend their time and discover what their concerns are right now. Then come up with ways you can help them solve those problems. You have the flexibility and the creativity to come up with solutions that meet your market's changing needs. Make sure your market knows how to find you. If they're in a panic too, your clients and potential clients are probably not going to seek you out. This is why it's more important than ever to make sure your business is visible to them every day, in multiple ways. Begin connecting with your market on social media sites, if you're not there already. Write articles that solve your readers' problems, and publish them in places where your potential clients will read them. Launch a business blog that helps you establish an ongoing dialogue with your market, so they know you're still there and that you're listening to them. Strengthen relationships with other small business owners. (This is where MMP comes in!) The most powerful thing you have going for you is your relationships with other small business owners. Instead of spending energy lamenting our economic troubles, we need to encourage each other and work together to stay the course. Have an idea but not sure how to make it work? That's what we're all here here for, to bounce ideas off of and help each other come up with a workable solution. When you're feeling frustrated because nothing seems to be working, your support network can offer a new perspective, and encourage you to try again. This is a great time to own a small business. It's the opportunity you've been waiting for. Use your brains, your talent and your creativity, and let your business shine. Please join us as we launch our new series of Webinars by Social Media expert Lena West. Please click here for schedule, and registration and more information on these exciting webinars!
Joyce Lucas, Founder
www.makeminepink.com
www.cottagecollections.com
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