Do Small Businesses Have the Power to Survive an Estranged Economy?

When I first heard a few weeks ago that we were in an 'estranged' economy, it intrigued me but made little sense. But the more I think about it, that is exactly what we are seeing. It's not a typical recession, but with certain sectors so completely out of wack, it is just down right wierd. Typically, when oil prices sky rocket, we see up-pricing pretty much across the board, yet there are still industries that are able to leverage their buying power to keep their price points in check. The fast-food restaraunt industry is a good example of this. Granted, they are picking up those customers that are assumming that their regular restaturant may cost them more due to overall increases, but that is all the consumer is doing, ASSUMING. They may even drive further to McDonald's than they would their neighborhood pizzaria.

Small business owners need to take a lesson from the average consumer. They need to do a little assuming. Normally, I caution to never assume, but what may happen is that by assuming that the next time a key marketing componant is up for renewal (ie:magazine ads, commercials, video etc.)it forces that business to look at alternative means of getting their message across. In doing so, they not only educate themselves on various mediums of advertising and marketing, but may come across that unique venue that will propell their buisness or brand into stardom.

We are all looking for that one great message that gets the phone ringing and the product flying off of the shelf. So why not use this estranged economy to educate yourself, your consumer base (let's face it there was a time when I didn't think you could print on an egg)and grow your marketing strategy instead of stiffling it.