Chalk and cheese…

Last year a client I work with referred to this as a ‘leopard spot recession’, he explained how some people were being really badly hit and others werent feeling it at all.  This is still proving the case as I talk to people its almost a case of toss a coin, who will say ‘its hell out there’, and who will be very pleased with their progress this year. 

On Saturday night I played pool and had a few beers at Hotel Du Vin with a load of old friends I havent seen in ages.  Several of them talked a little about business, and the contrast between their fortunes is really stark. 

One is a manufacturer of large fire vehicles said they were turning work away and had a full order book for 2 years.  One senior marketer for a firm of accountants was slashing budgets and saw the market as very grim.  An online publisher I spoke with hasnt had a better month than June, and sees record profits every month. 

Another couple who live in the States and run a large number of bridal franchises there are looking at opening their first UK operation, and are confused by the mixed picture they are seeing.  On the one hand, they see the TV reports and hear people here grumbling about how hard everyone is being hit.  On the other, they havent seen so busy in years (they live here in Harrogate part time), and are amazed at how many new high end retailers have come to town.  Its about time we started to realise that recession impacts on everyone, but some businesses turn it to their advantage.

Recession is here, but its throwing up as many opportunities as it is problems, and how we view the market, and adapt to tackle new challenges is going to be what seperates those who survive, or those who thrive.

Despite losing a few really good accounts for financial or restructuring reasons over the past quarter, we have won a good many more.  We saw another three new business enquiries last week, and another client win too, and we’ve upped our game to try and keep this trend going. 

Sure, if you have specific finance issues, or your have had firms go bust on you its not going to be as easy to try and take advantage of things, but lets not all throw in the towel, there are some big wins out there for those still in good shape, and with creative approach to the new landscape.