Thinking of cutting back on marketing?

Just finished an article from www.businessbrief.com/recession-marketing that addressed the question of whether or not it pays to not cut back on marketing during recessionary times. The author researched a 2005 study, "Turning adversity into advantage: Does proactive marketing during a recession pay off?" and discovered reliable information that pointed to active marketing during a down economy does indeed produce good results following the recession. "The most referenced study, one by McGraw-Hill about the 1981-1982 recession, concludes the b2b companies that increased marketing during the recession averaged much higher sales growth for the following three years than those who decreased marketing."

The author concluded by saying that if you have to decreasing marketing budgets, retain those marketing initiatives that have the biggest pay off for your business. Become smarter with your dollars and your marketing activities that will produce the greatest impact.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Empowering others

I read a great article yesterday about complimenting others. It is easy to see the benefits of complimenting a co-worker, friend or employee one-on-one. The individual smiles, says "Thank You" and is a often a bit embarrased. But no matter how much he or she protests, they are pleased to have had their efforts noticed and appreciated.

However, if you want to maximize the compliment, speak it in the presence of others - peers, co-workers, supervisors, etc. By making sure that others are aware of your opinion of the individual's work, effort or idea, you are ensuring that the ihe or she will grow in stature in the minds of those present. At the same time you are making the individual feel valued and important.

And when someone give you a compliment, don't just shrug it off as though it were nothing. Simply smile and give a sincere "Thank You"!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Challenging times come with opportunities

It is interesting to listen to conversations about the current economic climate. Some are quite negative and focus only on the downside of the situation. Others are realistic and concerned about what we are facing but they are also positive with speakers talking about how they are fighting back. They are looking for new ways to improve their bottom line, garner more customers, and identify additional niches that they can fill. These individuals are doggedly determined to survive in spite of current conditions. They are realistic but look at the glass as half full rather than half empty. They are creative and not afraid to make changes in how they do business and are seeking product lines and service options that answer unmet needs in their market area. Business owners in this category are looking at ways to expand their market - in the community and beyond, as well as online. We hope you're on of those innovative businesses looking for new ways to survive and thrive.

Celebrating our independence

The community was certainly reminiscent of what we believe makes small towns special. In towns across the county, state and country, celebrations were held to celebrate our freedom and that we are blessed to live in this country. In Lenawee, we marked the 3-day weekend with special activities, family picnics, trips to the park, swimming, grilling and enjoying any one of several outstanding fireworks displays. It was a time to be with family and friends and to keep in mind just how blessed we are in spite of the economy. There is no place like the United States of America!

Credit for Small Business shrinks

While reading the e-newsletter from the Small Business Association of Michigan this morning, I cam across an article about the increasing difficulty small businesses are having with banks cutting credit card lines. Historically many entrepreneurs have relied heavily on credit cards as other forms of financing became less available. The article reported that in 2008, 44% of America's small firms relied on credit cards to assist with their day-to-day operations. As of April, 2009, that figure has escalated to 59%. Does your business rely on credit cards for operations? Have you been impacted by changing bank policies on credit lines? Let us know.

More tech training on the way

Following this morning's Adrian in the AM event with Ben Lorenz of the Human Element in Ann Arbor, presenting the basics of Social Media use, several guests asked us, "So, what do we do now? Having the basic "why" of social networking is great but how do we put it into practice in our organizations?"So, to that end, we will be meeting with a number of Chamber members as well as Ben Lorenz and others experienced in the field and will be putting together a series of programs that teach attendees the "how" and "what" of this technology. Watch for programming to begin in September! Let us know if you would like to be part of the focus group charged with pulling together the outline for the program series.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

What really motivates employees

The Internet is an unending source of news, ideas. professional advice of all sorts and resources that connect us with businesses, places and people. I used to delete many of the e-mails that came in without checking out what nuggets of knowledge they might contain. Now I at least open them, specifically to look at the major idea or focus of the message and to determine if any links contained in the message might be of value to us at the Chamber or to you our members/readers. This morning I received a Twitter from Mike Rodgers from the Small Business Association of Michigan with the link to an articlce about motivating employees, especially in this economy. After reading it, I thought many of you might like it as well. To learn more, click here 5 Myths about Motivating Your Employees in a Recession - Motivating your Employees - Entrepreneur.com.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com