Attitude is important

There is no doubt that we find ourselves in times that are more economically challenging than any in the past 30 or even 80 years. Businesses of all sizes and types, manufacturers, service industries and non-profit organizations like local Chambers of Commerce are facing similar challenges as we all look for the least painful and often most creative ways to keep expenses at a minimum while maximizing available revenue streams. Some things are within our power to affect while others must simply be dealt with as best we can.

However, there are a couple of things we can all do during this time (and beyond) that are simply good business. As we have listened to local business owners and managers, we've learned that they are not standing still or just waiting for the other show to fall.

They are seeking out new markets for their products and services. They're looking a new ways to do things, new uses for their equipment and goods. They're researching what others in their industries are doing - it's not always necessary to re-invent the wheel. Find a good idea that has worked somewhere else, tweak it to fit your needs and situation and give it a try.

The other thing that I have noticed are the people who, despite the economy and all the challenges it has put in our lives, maintain a positive attitude and outlook. These are the individuals who will tell you that we have to be positive and keep doing what it take to move forward. We have to expect things to get better and work to make it happen.

These people are not looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. They know things are not good. But they are refusing to give up the ship. A Chamber in Pennsylvania has billboards throughout their community that read "REFUSE TO JOIN THE RECESSION"! In other words, keep working and anticipating success despite the current economic conditions. We need to move forward whenever possible in order to survive this.

Positive attitudes, positive conversations and a positive outlook will cultivate the same in those individuals with whom we work and converse. We're literally in this together and together we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have good news? Share it on the Chamber Blog. We have heard from a number of businesses who are doing well. Sharing good news business stories serves as positive reinforcement for all of us and gives other ideas as well.