Five Points to Ponder in these Recessionary Times

It's all a matter of perspective

Sure, it's bad out there. But if you want to learn about really tough economic times, talk with a parent or grandparent who went through the Great Depression. Not even the most bearish economists are suggesting this business cycle will go that low.

The strong will survive

It sounds ruthless, but a recession weeds out the weaker players and gives the stronger companies the opportunity to gain market share. It's already happening in the financial markets, and it will happen in the electrical business, too.

Business basics matter even more when times get tough

The best distributors rely on a pretty simple equation: Get the right products to the right customers at the right time and the right place, and over the long haul you will get the right price — and right profits. When business is good, high volume can sometimes overshadow some bad business practices. But when every dollar counts, you must run your business properly to stay profitable.

Get going on green

If you are a regular reader of this column, you have probably figured out by now that I am an admitted “greenie” and am absolutely convinced that the sale of energy-efficient electrical products is the best darn market opportunity out there right now — good times or bad.

All recessions eventually end

Sure, this recession seems different because of the housing crash, stock market turbulence and credit freeze. But when you get right down to it, it's still just a business cycle. As long as your company focuses on marketing a profitable basket of products and services, it will survive.