The ups & downs, Turn that frown around!

I recently had a chance to speak to a long time associate of mine about hosting one of my seminars at a local venue that she and her family own.  She was talking to me about the hardships they have been going through lately, not only with her newest business venture, but also with her personal finances.  She was on the verge of closing her business and, to top it all off, loosing her home.  I hate to say this, but this is a more common situation that anyone would like to admit. I have run into more and more people that have been experiencing this same exact scenario.  I would like to offer some insider wisdom to everyone... There is a light at the end of this long and dark tunnel.  I myself can attest to the same economic down-turn that everyone has been going through these days.  The trick is to remain positive and don't give-up.  It's so easy to throw your hands up into the air and throw in the towel. (The analogies can go on and on with this topic.)  But don't give in just yet.  In a recent economic study conducted by the University of Boston, the economy is actually on an up-swing.  Apparently we have all reached rock bottom at this point. So in reality, there is no where to go but up!  Business is starting to pick-up for everyone. Take it from me that I handle over 30 different advertising budgets for local and national businesses.  They are ALL reinvesting in advertising and putting the word out there that they are around and want to do business.  They want to let people know that they are out there and are giving concessions to everyone.  A discount, here, a discount there, discount everywhere!  But you know what... IT WORKS!  People are in the mind set to save money where ever they can.  Whether it's a coupon, a price reduction sale, or a month long celebration of just being OPEN and "Here ya go, there's a discount for you just for the hella-uv-it" gets people through your door and buying from YOU.  The other thing to do is stay positive.  No customer of yours, (or even potential customer) wants to hear that you are thinking about going out of business because business sucks.  HELLO..... They won't want to do business with you. Not only because of your negativity, but because you might take their money and run!  People are so weary of those types of scams, that even if they have known you for years, who is to say you won't do that same thing to them.  Keep your business finances and decisions to yourself.  This kind of TMI (too much info) can actually hurt you instead of help.  So keep your chin up and a big smile on your face and say, "Everything is fantastic. Now how can I help YOU!" and in reality, you will really be helping yourself and your business.