Forget the Recession

In an age where jobs are rare commodities, consumer discretionary spending has taken a plunge. That’s bad news if you are in the retail, wholesale or distributor business. Over the past few months, we’ve written blog posts about staying the course, biding your time, preparing for the worst, preparing for recovery. We’ve opined on such things as the gloomy economic forecasts, trying to stay upbeat while facing reality. We’ve advised clients and potential clients alike on matters such as cutting back your workforce, cutting costs, strengthening your inventory positions and keeping ideas and products fresh and new. So in this latest post (yes it is very late), I’m proposing a new direction not aimed at the economy or government or even business for that matter. As we begin the final quarter of 2011, it’s tough to see any bright spots on the horizon as far as business goes, so this month, Beacon Marketing (via me of course) is going to post something a little different. I’m going to list off how to forget about the current (potential) double-dip recession and start to feel good about the present environment by showing how some of those we’re worked with over the past year have made the best of an awful business situation.



1. Spend time with family

I know for some of us this is like…duh. For others this is like….no way, never. But I like to think that a grey area exists between “duh” and “no way.” For those of us who love our families and home life is bliss, this makes all the sense in the world and chances are you don’t have to read this or find any time for that matter to actually want to be with those individuals. But if you are in the “no way” category, you can have all the free time in the world and you’d rather be anyplace else. I think however for most of us, it is a matter of finding what used to be called “quality time.” If you set aside 30 minutes at home with your family and expect a spontaneous act of “quality time” to happen, you are only going to be disappointed. Instead, how about just showing up and seeing where it goes. Sometimes just being around is the first step.


2. Get outside

It’s amazing to think about how much time we spend each day in front of the computer or our phone screens. While the internet was supposed to make everything from shopping to photo-taking easier, it has now become the official medium for life as we know it. It has become a demanding master rather than an easy conduit. Everything is done online now. Even out phones are tied to online services that demand our time and attention. My advice is to go someplace where the weather is nice even your own backyard (if you live someplace nice). And get away from phones, screens, televisions, keyboards and even people if necessary. Take in a few hours of sun, autumn air or just do an activity someplace open. You’ll find that it gets your mind off work a lot better than that last adult beverage.


3. Get a massage

OK, so for the guys this may seem a little “metro” but regardless of your manliness, even the most intense (or laid back for that matter) guy’s muscles get knotted up and need some relief. Chances are you have a local massage clinic someplace close by. If not, you can scour your local ads or simply Google “massages” and your zip code and there is an even better chance an individual with the proper qualifications can come to your own house. Aromatherapy, soothing music, some controlled breathing all may seem like something that’s a bit “out there” for some people, but if you take the hour or so to actually do, the rewards can last for days.


4. Try a new place

This is fore everyone. If you are the thrill-seeker, get to an amusement park or bungee jumping center. If you are more laid back, try a new restaurant or diner. Regardless of what your idea of fun is, it is important to break the same old routines that you rely on for convenience and expedience. Take some time to try new foods or new activities. Many of our clients we queried for this report have found that there are restaurants and parks literally within 10 minutes of their office or homes that they had never tried but had been meaning to when they had time. Our advice is to make that time now.

There are literally countless other hobbies, locations and activities that can help you take your mind off whatever current situation you are facing, be it economic or otherwise. But the most important thing is to incorporate these new things into some kind of routine. Many business owners find themselves so tied to their business that they defer new activities until a retirement that either never comes or keeps getting further from their reach. The time to do things that relieve stress, expand your horizons and keep you happy and health is not in retirement, it’s today.