Ignore The Economy

First, an apology. As a member of the media, I feel we’ve played a role in the state of today’s economy. The drama of doing business and the fight to survive are not only compelling themes to write about, they’re easy. While your subscription to Business Solutions is free, other media outlets leverage doom and gloom words and catch phrases because they sell. Unfortunately, the effect of all the early ‘down economy’ talk convinced the majority of Americans that the economy really was in bad shape, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’m not denying that the economy isn’t struggling. It’s now a sad reality. However, I don’t think things are as bad as most people think. I’m not alone. For instance, at the NRF (National Retail Federation) BIG Show 2009 in New York City, I had the opportunity to speak with more than 20 lead executives from a variety of manufacturers in retail. Nearly all of them told me they haven’t seen the type of recessionary slowdown the media and analysts have been stressing over. However, many of these executives also admitted their companies are being very cautious. Chances are, you’re in the same situation of cautiously waiting things out. My question is, how long will you wait and keep your business in a stalled state? Or better yet, why wait?

This issue of Business Solutions, like all others, is loaded with actionable information you can use to improve your business today. For instance, POS (point of sale) VARs looking for a new product line that’s truly a differentiator will want to check out the news on page 14 from Xsilva. The ISV (independent software vendor) offers Mac-based retail POS software and has recently launched a reseller program. If I were still a VAR, I’d be taking a close look at how such a product could create new revenue streams for my company.

Perhaps you could increase sales by targeting new vertical markets? This month’s content management feature article on page 26 details the success one VAR is having by selling data capture solutions to government entities in need of meeting regulatory compliance mandates. We also have a feature on page 20 on a managed storage services provider expecting 300% revenue growth in 2009 by selling solutions to the banking vertical. Regardless of the technologies and services you offer, you’ve got to be able to learn something from a company growing so impressively. Take the lessons contained within Business Solutions (and BSMinfo.com), and apply them to your business today. Doing so might allow your company to move ahead while your competition waits out the economy.