I'm just plain tired of the negative media, and predictions of business failure that is a steady diet in the media today. Instead, being an optimist by nature, I'm perferring to hold onto a comment I saw on another blog; that people who found business in today's recesssion will be the millionaires of 2019.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have no delusions of millions in the bank. I am, however, choosing to move countertrend - establishing and growing my marketing business, Ignition, in a down economy.
My (Ignition's) focus is to provide my senior level marketing expertise to firms who may value marketing, but due to the economic conditions, elect not to invest in a heavy duty senior level marketing salary. What I'm able to do is plug into the company, triage their marketing, select a path appropriate for the stage of business, and work as that firm's "virtual vp of marketing" to pull in the resources to economy fill the need. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to have my clients refer to me as 'their marketing director."
Its working. I have a growing customer base, happy clients, and I get a kick out of giving smaller companies the benefit of a more mature, brand to help them rise above the fray, and attract customers, investors, and partners.
Many of my clients are also making good progress in a tough economy - one may have a record quarter; another has executed a financial turnaround that has them on the brink of profitability for the first time ever.
So don't lose faith folks. Stay focused and believe. I think the economy will rise again on the backs of small businesses and optimists, who'll say, to quote the movie Network's anchor Howard Beale, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." Let's turn off the naysayers, roll up our sleeves to do great - nay greater work than ever before.
