The Economy

As of this date, 3/22/09 we are in a recession. 

Let's face it, nobody needs what you and I have to sell.  It is not bread, milk, home heating or gas for the car. 

But, let's put this all in perspective:  If there is 6% unemployment, that means 94% of the people are working.  If there is 8% unemployment, there are still 92% of the people that have jobs. 

People are still going to be having birthdays and there will always be Christmas.  Maybe people won't spend as much during a recession, but they are still going to buy gifts.

During one of the oil crunches, people were saying, "let's don't travel as much, we can stay home more and do something to our home".  I sold a lot of wall sculpture during this time.

I've never felt one of the recessions because when I saw business taking a down turn, I hustled up some more business.  Maybe added a few more shows or added some wholesale accounts.

If your employer says that we are cutting you back to thirty hours per week, there isn't much that you can do except tighten your belt.

The point here is that now you have control. 

Whatever your art or craft and if there is going to be a recession start thinking about some lower priced items you can add to your inventory. 

Someone once told that me, "marginal companies re-act, successful companies act". 

It's better if you can act before a recession hits rather than later.  In other words, be ahead of the game.

Before a projected downturn becomes a reality make a list of all the things that you can do to promote your business.  Then prioritize the list and determine which ones you feel will work best.

Sometimes the best laid plans don't work.  However, I've found when I make an effort, other opportunities that I hadn't considered pop up. 

As I've stated elsewhere, "don't rule out serendipity". 

The media loves the word recession.  Why?  Because they have 24 hours of news to come up with everyday. 

Don't let it scare you, let it energize you to design new products.  At the same time let it energize you to find new and different ways to sell your art or craft. 

After all, you are a creative person or you wouldn't be in the arts or craft business.  Allow that creativity to work for you in finding new opportunities.