Change Your Mind About The Economy...

Overview: NAWBO-NW presents the Entrepreneurial Program Series during their monthly chapter meetings. In July, the Entrepreneurial Program featured Ed Clark of The Clark Company, speaking about the economy.

Ed Clark had much to say about the economy, and he started with a look back to the 1900's. The economy, he says, is not in as much unfamiliar territory as it might seem. If we take some tips from what worked in the 1900's, we can change our mind - and our perspective - about the economy.


Stop Crying

First, Clark told the audience, we need to stop crying. "Hope is not hoping things work out okay. It's hoping you're okay with how things turn out."


Start Marketing

Second, he then told us, is to start marketing. Some companies practice what Clark calls, "Sales Prevention Techniques" - when companies fail to make the sale because of the way they currently do business. In this economy, it can be fatal. 

Clark turned the audience's attention to what can happen if we stop marketing because the economy and spending is slowing - we risk being forgotten. Right now, he told us, is really an opportunity for companies to make themselves unforgettable... and he proposed 12 ways to do it. (However, his speech was so engaging, I regretfully forgot to continue writing, and only noted 9 of them.)
 

  1. Keep a Positive Attitude
  2. Pay Attention to Local News, not just Global or US News
  3. Solidify Your Customer Base
  4. Use Value Messages
  5. Sponsor or Partner with a Local Cause to Build Awareness for Your Company
  6. Appreciate The Business You Have, and Appreciate Your Customers
  7. Build a Preference for Your Brand
  8. Increase Public Relations Efforts
  9. Be Unforgettable
     

Celebrate The Good Things

Lastly, Clark told us to continue to celebrate the good things. "If you can't make a sale, make a friend," he told us. And focus on Brand You.

written by: Heather Pieczonka, Director of Communications