While fear and panic are common reactions (understandable ones, too) they will only hurt your business in the long run. It’s true that long established companies have disappeared… banks and other financial institutions are struggling… the 2008 holiday shopping season forecasts are gloomy… layoffs are expected and 401K’s have lost so much of their value. In the face of all this, it’s hard for business owners to be optimistic.

A recent blog post by Matthew Barnes of Promo Marketing Magazine has some fantastic advice for all of us during these uncertain economic times, and it’s this…

My advice to everyone is simple. Stop. Take a deep breath. And then, well, keep on going. This is not the time to panic or freeze up. The truth is, on both sides of the equation, there is still business to be done.

Businesses who stay focused and will prevail against the current economic pressures, keep a watchful eye

The holidays present every business, large or small, with a unique opportunity to show appreciation to customers and employees alike. Not only does this spread a little much needed holiday cheer during an otherwise ordinary day, but it also shows a commitment to sound business practices.

Of course, with the economy being what it is, many business owners are looking for ways to do some holiday shopping without overspending, and that can be easy when you choose quality promotional products as corporate gifts.

Business gifting isn’t all that different from what you do for family and friends. 

Know who you’re giving to — make a list so that you know who you’ll need to buy for… clients who

Came across this today… might be worth investigating if your business has an active website. Demandbase, an on demand software company that claims to be transforming the way B2B companies identify, reach and convert new business, announced a new release of Demandbase Stream™.

The company is seeking to solve a rather simple business problem. How to get sales leads in the hands of the salespeople who need them. For the web, this should be handy desktop tool shows you who is visiting your website so you can react with an email or phone call right away.

The free software widget looks like a news ticker you’d see on TV. You’ll be able to view data on

Everything really is better with audience participation.

One of the most critical yet overlooked principles in the selling process is the power of self-discovery through customer involvement. Regrettably, many salespeople use a “show-and-tell” presentation style and babble on hoping they might say something that will generate a sale. When you show or tell your prospects about your product or service, they have a tendency to doubt the information and mentally disengage from your presentation. On the other hand, when they participate in the selling process and are guided to discover a feature or benefit on their own, they will be inclined to believe it.

Car salesmen truly understand the value of self-discovery and prospect participation.

They’ll be the first to tell you that it’s the actual smell of the leather and the hands-on-the-wheel experience of the test-drive that sells the car, not the colorful brochure full of options and features.