Paying Attention To Your Micro Economy While the Macro Economy Goes Haywire

Image via WikipediaReport from the BNI Bleachers.

For the last ten years, I have been a member of BNI. This networking tool and word of mouth marketing has more than kept my company afloat. Many of the professionals in my chapter have dispensed weekly nuggets of wisdom for years on how to be a better entrepreneur.

Right now it looks a little rough out there, so it's good to hear about everyday people who are keeping their heads and making things happen. Here are a few things I learned on Wednesday from my colleagues:

The printer pulled an approved job off the line because he wasn't satisfied with how it looked. Lost money, but it was more important to keep a client happy. That's forward thinking.

The biz coach stressed that we should emulate companies that have weathered financial storms before: IBM, Johnson&Johnson. These companies seem to always stay relevant.

The web developer mentioned a dozen (12!) small bizzes that he is currently working with. Folks have still make sure their message is current, which keeps the web developer working. And hard.

The real estate lawyer has 7 closings in this short 4 day week. That's what I'm talking about.

The architect was watching a thriller with her hubby, but was more interested in the buildings. A bit obsessive, but keeping her nose to the grindstone.

The photographer is offering heavily discounted rates for portraits and headshots. Some folks say don't cut your rate during this time, but I think that in this instance, she is going to reap the benefits.

The investment consultant stated that his company handles zero sub-prime mortgages. He is now grabbing accounts from Lehman Bros.

The commercial real estate exec fired three clients because they didn't want to be realistic. Even with the economy as up and down as it is, he would rather look at the big picture because it will benefit him going forward. So far one has crawled back.

The Aflac guy said his company was the only one keeping Gilbert Gottfried employed.

The morale of the story: keep networking, stay the course, and surround your self with folks who are not letting this turmoil keep them from growing their business.

Keep Networking - Reports from the BNI Bleachers

Image via WikipediaFor the last ten years, I have been a member of BNI. This networking tool and word of mouth marketing has more than kept my company afloat. Many of the professionals in my chapter have dispensed weekly nuggets of wisdom for years on how to be a better entrepreneur.

Righ now it looks a little rough out there, so it's good to hear about everyday people who are keeping their heads and making things happen. Here are a few things I learned on Wednesday from my colleagues:

The mortgage broker is not dismayed at the current state of the economy. I've used him twice; he knows his stuff and he looks out for you. And it helps when Citibank and Chase make you a preferred vendor.

The commercial real estate broker is busier than ever. Companies whose leases are up are looking for cheaper (and smaller) options.

The Send Out Cards rep suggests that if you have a new office or a new something, use that opportunity to send a card as invitation or announcement.

The yoga instructor and massage therapist says that if you are feeling the stress of these uncertain times, their services are great for relief.

The real estate appraiser is busy because of foreclosures. It sounds harsh, but the banks are hiring her to appraise these homes. It's not her fault that she is benefitting from other's heartbreak.

And BNI founder, Ivan Misner wrote in a recent missive, "Let others worry about the macro economic picture. You have a micro economy in which you are a vital and central player. The more you focus on fear, the more afraid you will become. You already know this in your gut: No bailout is coming your way … unless you do it yourself.The more you focus on obstacles, the larger they will loom. And the more you focus on today's global economic doom and gloom headlines, the less time, energy, and faith you'll have to focus on building the prosperous, successful, well-networked business you really want."

Hip Hop Honors Awards Party @ The Volstead

It was hectic, but it was a fun time. Wendell Hanes, his wife Lesley, Phat Gary, and DJ Premier, and myself forced ourselves in and did our thing at The Volstead. Hats off to Good Girl PR and TLAPR for a jam-packed shin-dig.

Highlights for me:
Seeing Zenobia for the first time in several years.
Talking with Lisa Willis and Ashley Battle of the NY Liberty.

Hearing Eazy Mo Bee tell Wendell that they need to get back in the studio to work on a commercial.

















Wendell Hanes and Awesome 2

















Wendell Hanes and Rahzel