"Frugality" Here To Stay?

Is there a fundamental shift in the way we spend and save today? I just read a study that stated that after this recession ends Americans will spend about 86% of their pre-recession level. As I read this, I could not help but realize that this change is starting to take hold of the country and will cause some companies to grow and become great while other companies will miss the train and fall apart. No matter what, it is clear that there is a fundamental change occurring in how and why Americans are buying goods today.

The Facts: Personal debt had doubled in a decade and ended at $124,000 per household in July 2009. That is a large number, and it will take years to work down this debt. With this said, the only logical thought is that people's thriftiness and spending habits have changed. We will see new behaviors over the next few years. Are you ready for these changes? Are you changing? How about your business?

The impact of these changes will affect everything from the homes and cars we buy to how we spend money at the grocery store or for entertainment. One of the fundamental shifts we are currently seeing in the marketing world is that people are shifting their thought process away from wants to a focus unlike before on needs. Are you marketing to this shift? Does your company or product fill a need not a want? This is a very important question.

When people spend they are looking for value. Many businesses and individuals have made a decision to be more frugal relative to this economic crisis. People are looking for value either through specials, coupons or close outs. When the upturn of the economy starts, be it a few months or even five years, people will not return to old spending habits. The shock and scare of this crisis has developed habits that will stick!

Many of us have no recollection of the Great Depression, but history tells us that a crisis like the Great Depression does create change. Many of us remember seeing parents or grand parents who was affected by the times they had during the economic problems of their day. It develops almost overnight a fundamental shift in how people think and process value. It will be more important than ever that you find affective marketing practices that will fill the needs of customers. What is your business doing today to fill the need of your customers and to provide them value?

Do you use coupons?

Just reaching out to obtain some general feelings on coupons. Do you use them, how often, why?

What is your favorite offers and places? Thank you in advance!

When the storm hits!

Wow – The snowiest December ever!!! I am very glad I purchased a new snow blower at the end of the winter season last year.

I have been reading as of late about all this snow that fell last month. It is more apparent just by looking outside my window with the snow piles looking like a mountain. This is saying a lot. I have lived here in Minnesota for more than 30 years, and I have never seen it like this before in early January. It truly is one of the most impactful snow at one time.

So how do we deal with all this snow? It is amazing that some people find a way to just keep moving forward while others hide from it. Some people even thrive in it: plow drivers, tow trucks, emergency workers, and others who work hard to get us moving – We all owe them a huge thank you for everything they do.

Even in everyday life the effort required is more than relaxing days of the summer. Salespeople have cold cars and less parking places, merchants have to make up business lost, commute times are longer and more stressful. I could go on and on but even with this we all keep going. If you are someone who has pushed through this, I commend you for dealing with this; it is even more impressive if you could do it while still keeping a smile on your face.

Inside each successful business, you will find this same mindset when a storm hits - You have to have a plan. You have to be willing to trust those around you pushing your business through the storm. You have to find new ways to deal with all the new challenges (like the sales person dealing with all the ice on a road).

It is about setting up your business in case a storm hits – anyone can run a business in during a beautiful summer day. Will you be the one to keep going and going until you reach the end of the storm when all the snow has been push to the side and the mountains have been conquered? It is about reaching that desired goal and being ready for anything that might get in the way of stopping you. Does your business have a plan for the snowiest month of the year? Will your personal goals pull you through a storm? If not, now is the time to make some changes as we start the New Year. Make it happen…

In both our personal and work lives, let’s be thankful for the people who dig us out from the storm. Every day we need people that challenge us and clear a path for us. We need to listen to those around us and most importantly have the right people around us to move the snow when it hits.

What is clicknprintsavings.com

I want to share clicknprintsavings.com one of the sites we publish at Lakes Marketing Group Inc.. It is a great opportunity that has over a thousand coupons available to you. I would love for you to visit and check it out! While you are there, click on our contest page and enter to win some prizes such as: lift tickets, concert tickets, and restaurant certificates. You will be able to find coupons close to where you work, live, or visit. Most importantly, it is free for you to access all the coupons! Please let me know what you think.

Is it worth it?????

So here I am trying to get my phone to work with my calendar on my computer and thinking how nice it would be to develop the pictures that I've taken with my phone by downloading them so they can be printed rather than simply showing the pictures on my phone to my friends. With that said, it would be great to have my remote controls working together (really it would be nice to have one remote control).

They say most people use their technology at ten to twenty percent of what it really could perform. I think most people are just happy to have things " kind of" work because of the frustration of trying to setup, hookup, or download whatever!

Now that I vented, I want to tell everyone it is worth it. I certainly have much to learn with my technology being that most of the time I don’t know what remote to use, but I can’t help but think about the fact that most of us would not go back to no email, no cell phone, no texting, and especially no cable! All of these make my life better because I spent time learning what they could do. Just hang in there and work on the learning curve. Pick one piece of equipment a week and learn something new about it. It will improve your time management and quality of life. Just take the time to try it and maybe even learn it. Once you do that, repeat it over and over again. Just like anything, you will be happier, better informed, and in the know. Look at me - I now have a blog. It is worth it!

Same Place Changes In 24 Hours

This last weekend Patty and I took a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine with some good friends. One thing that keeps coming back to me was the contrast of one day to the next at Sand Beach in Acadia National Park on the Atlantic Ocean. On the first day at the beach, the ocean was very rough with waves that looked 25 feet high which crashed into the rocks and along the beach. It was a very strong sign of the power and force of the ocean. The next day, we went back and the Nor'easter was gone and the sea was calm and the beach was tranquil. It was stunning to see the different feeling the same place can give you. When I think of people, we often do the same thing. One day we can be put together, have a smile on our face, and project a sense of achievement, confidence, and understanding. On a different day, we frown, act rushed or sigh, and not properly groom ourselves which sends different message to the world and even more importantly to ourselves. What image do you want to convey?

In regards to marketing your business, remember how important your graphics and logos can be. The proper use of art and style can be just as dramatic as the beach before and after the storm. Make sure you are creating the image you want for your business!

78 Degrees

78 degrees and sunny in October! Last week was great and so should this week be fantastic.

It seems when it is nice out people tend to be easier to deal with and more receptive to ideas. I know many salespeople who agree that potential clients are just a little more receptive when the weather is acceptable. Maybe in return for the beautiful weather we should all try to treat others nice when it is dark, cold or gloomy out. I know many people who brighten my day no matter what the weather. I hope to learn from them. My goal would be to carry this great feeling from this beautiful weather into the winter. If needed you are all invited to remind me in February !