While I'm still on the subject of Greenwood; props to the Silver Moon for making their location work. When they first opened, I had my doubts, and it did seem to take time to get going. But they 'grew' the business, and they are a great example of how --almost-- any location can be made to work with the right mix of product and determination.

And I suspect they've got a going concern despite --maybe even because -- they've -probably spent a fraction of the money that a Deschutes Brewery has spent. Down home, so to speak.




Meanwhile, there is an article in U.S.A. Today, which asks the question: Can you grow your business in spite of a slowing economy? (Which I've reprinted in full below.)

I usually ignore these types of articles -- whether they are about writing, or gardening, or growing a business. They are cheerleader type articles, which seem intent on making it look easy.

The survey is especially doubtful, because it seems tailored to elicit exactly the answers the writer is looking for.

That said, there a basic core of truth to it. I've always said that small business people are insanely optimistic; it would be just like them to say, "Hey, the economy is going to crap, but that just gives me a chance to expand!!" (Not unlike real estate agents....'Best Time to Buy....')

But it's a funny article; seems to me that the business owners are saying that growth is "Keeping them up at night," not that they think they'll grow. And the gist of the article seems to be about how the downturn creates opportunities, which again is not exactly the same thing as growing.

But, yeah, if you're talking about shoring up your outreach, adding websites, rewarding customers, trying to maintain marketshare, and strengthening your finances; I'm right there with them.

Except, I see it more as an opportunity to strengthen the bottom line in preparation to growing, if you catch the distinction.



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(Article starts with a survey, that I couldn't copy, that is titled: What is the top thing that keeps you up at night? Growth, 27%: Paying the bills, 21%: Keeping the customers happy, 17%: Finding time to develop and run a business, 15%: Finding the right talent, 13%.)

GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN SPITE OF THE SLOWING ECONOMY

Can you grow your business during a recession? Small businesses overwhelmingly plan on doing just that, according to a new survey. Wall Street may be looking for government handouts, but Main Street is looking for ways to grow. You can expand your business too – if you're smart.

Despite the stagnant economy, nine out of ten small business owners see opportunities for their own companies, according to a just-released survey conducted for Intuit, maker of Quickbooks. More than three-fourths expect their business to grow in the coming year. This isn't just sunny optimism, either, because 65% of these small businesses have survived a recession before.

Surprised at this optimistic outlook? I'm not. In previous recessions, one of the things I'd observe is that many small businesses actually can grow by taking advantage of opportunities, such as weakened competition and big company cutbacks. So when the people at Quickbooks asked me what I'd like to know about the current state of small business (I was paid for my involvement), I wanted to see whether entrepreneurs shared my sense that even in a bad economy, there's reason for hope and plenty of possibilities.

Entrepreneurs see potential even in today's economy. In fact, growth is the number one issue on small business owners' minds. Fully 80% say that growth is the top or high priority in the coming year. Growth keeps more entrepreneurs up at night (27%) than other issues, edging out worries about paying the bills (21%). (The survey was conducted March 7 – 11 of 751 small businesses by the Global Strategy Group.)

"The optimism of small business is inspiring," said Rick Jensen, senior vice president of Intuit's small business division. "Entrepreneurs have faced obstacles since day one. They take things head on, play offense… With all the news, all the headlines, we wanted to go straight to small businesses and see what they're feeling."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Main Street | A Day | Intuit | Finding | Angel Investor | QuickBooks | Global Strategy Group

What does that mean for you? Here are ways to grow even when the economy stagnates:

•Keep marketing. Thinking of cutting your marketing budget? Don't! Businesses that maintain their marketing efforts during slow times come out of recessions healthier and with a larger market share than before the economy went downhill. Stay visible.

•Hire terrific talent. A lot of great people are going to be getting pink slips or taking early retirement as large corporations cut back. You'll be able to attract employees with a wealth of experience — and terrific contacts — who might never have considered working for a small company before.

•Target big corporations' small customers. In bad times, large companies cut back their services to smaller customers. But their "small" customer could be your huge customer. Go after them now.

•Become the outsource source. Big companies are under pressure to reduce fixed costs, so if you provide services usually handled by corporate in-house staff, now's a good time to suggest they use you as an outsource provider.

•Get your finances in order. Clean up your credit as well as your financial records. Establish a credit line at your bank. Have money available to you if you need it.

•Consider acquisition. Are there businesses you can buy? Your competitors may want to throw in the towel, especially established small businesses with owners nearing retirement. You may be able to buy some businesses at a big discount in this environment.

•Develop a loyalty program. It's critical to keep the customers you have. Set up a method to provide discounts or rewards to loyal customers. Even a simple punch card program can work.

•Sell from your website. Increase profit margins by selling direct to customers and cut out the middle man whenever possible.

•Go digital. Find ways to do more of your administrative functions on the web. Look for inexpensive outsourced services, rather than doing everything in-house with the overhead that entails.

•Concentrate on increased sales rather than new product development. Look for new channels, new customers, rather than investing heavily in development.

Finally, stay positive. Remember, recessions are cyclical. Take advantage of opportunities now, so you'll be in a great position when the economy improves. Trust me, it will. And you'll have a healthy, growing business.

Rhonda Abrams is president of The Planning Shop, publisher of books for entrepreneurs.