Are you kidding me ? So many reasons why we are in a recession ...

Okay ... this is the kicker for me. I am a sports fan and often listen to espn talk radio. Today I hear that my favorite team, the Redskins, are going to make a huge signing of the best defensive player in the league, Albert Haynesworth. You would think I would be excited about this. In years past, maybe ... but now ? What made me stop in my tracks with disbelief was the reported 100 million dollar contract he will be offered, with a 35 million dollar signing bonus. Are you kidding me ? In the wake of Jim Calhoun being questioned about his salary from the state, people seem to be seriously thinking about some of these ridiculously inflated incomes out there. And he we are, the general public, fighting just to keep our heads above water. Why is a talented actor worth 30 million dollars for one movie ? They're not. We, as the general public, elevate them to this status. What do you think would happen if people stopped going to movies ? Or stopped going to NFL football games ? Do you think salaries would go down, along with ticket prices ? I do. That would be the natural sequence of things. What if we demanded hollywood and professional sports gave back ? Sure ... they all have their respective charities for posterity, but does anyone really need to live as lavish as some of these CEO's with their golden parachutes ? Even down to the government, when all you have to do is serve one term in congress and "we the people" fit the bill the rest of their life ? Public servant ? More like us serving the public official. So do i really need to ask why we are in a recession ? Greed, greed and more greed. It is a good thing that I once watched a show where a mediocre NBA basketball player went into the closet, in his mansion, and boasted of his 350 pairs of custom made, imported Italian shoes at 15K-30K a pop, and you go into the neighborhood where he grew up and find poverty. When did we lose the connection to our own communities ? Why the hell did we allow this to happen, to elevate the few to a platform where they look down upon us from their throne. I thought we were a democracy ... oh that's right ! Capitalism rules the day here .. the almighty dollar. THAT is our problem. If you want to support the arts ... support a local artist instead of going to a movie. If you love sports ... go play them yourself or support your local youth organizations and schools. Want to support the CEO's golden parachutes ? Then don't buy their products. Let's get back to good old fashioned morals and ethics and take care of one another once again. The rest will take care of itself !

Come by and see me at www.richmondsigns.com !

Random Blog and Rant on Business Today (Part 2)

Another rant on the economy as we know it today. What to do ? When you have a business that needs to STAY in business ... what do we do ? I have already adressed the value of vehicle advertising in my recent blog, Smart Marketing in a Sluggish Economy. So, of course, I subscribe to these principles and participate myself with both of my shop vehicles. But what to do when this isn't bringing in new customers ? When consumers just aren't spending, or even looking to spend. Of course there are all sorts of advertising and marketing techniques, but I consider many of them to be an uninvited intrusion. A way I prefer not to start off a conversation with a prospective client. Many will argue that the hit you in the face style marketing with due dilligence has its value and a proven track record. I just have issues with that. If I HAD to do something of this nature, I guess I would prefer to visit a business in person. So at least my intrusion comes with some genuine accountability for my actions. My intent being merely as an introduction and offering of services ... leave a business card. NO SELLING or sales tactics ! I sell by giving good information and honesty. I try only to give that information when expressly asked for ... we all hate a pushy salesman. So again .. what to do ? What can we do to keep our message out there (like vehicle advertising) that doesn't add to your monthly expenses, that doesn't intrude on potential customers. Well there is at least one thing you can do, one that I have been diligent with myself. Optimizing your website to be search engine friendly and relevant. What better way to start a dialogue than someone who is looking for you ! Someone who has already searched the great divide on the internet and decided to call you. If you've done a good job, they already like what they see and that is why they are calling you ! This is a great way to start a conversation and hopefully a long lasting relationship with the customer. As always, you have to follow through. ALWAYS do what you say you will, and in a timely fashion. Make sure your delivery is professional and consistent with what led them to you in the first place. Taking excellent care of your customers leads to one of the most important, FREE forms of advertising you can get ... REFERALS ! One good thing leads to another. So now we fall back to loyalty, morals, ethics and good ole honesty. Things none of us should forget. If we all practice some of these principles maybe we could avoid the next "bailout" from our greed !

Good luck to all the small business out there through these trying times. If there is any way I can help personally, visit me at Richmond Sign & Design Services, Inc. !!!