Comments on: Is the sky falling?

By: Moojj

Moojj — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:24:00 +0000

Your logic is amazing. You would have made the same profit your brother did -- Instead you decide to move into someone else's house to pay their mortgage.

Who got the better chromosome set there?

By: Sociala Gerillan

Sociala Gerillan — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:53:43 +0000

[...] admin - 28 November, 2008 ideasonideas - Is the sky falling? [...]

By: Devin

Devin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:08:21 +0000

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By: Umberto Micheli

Umberto Micheli — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:01:34 +0000

Times like these presents a great opportunity for the little guy. With smaller budgets and watchful spending firms may be forced to look at us more closely and hopefully like what they see ; )

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:16:11 +0000

Nice post

By: frankosonik

frankosonik — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:56:10 +0000

We have been through difficult economic times before and come out stronger. This time shouldn't be any different, although the journey might be longer and tougher than ever. The market will change in ways that might make the big agency business model go the way of cassette tapes.

Those who are quick to provide creative, efficient answers will pick up the scraps that the wasteful have left behind. I have this feeling that there are a bunch of little opportunities for success hidden in plain view. If we could just turn off CNN for a bit and start sketching some ideas...

By: Oscar

Oscar — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:39:27 +0000

I was only yesterday discussing the theory that this doom and gloom is fueled in part by the media and peoples fear - a self fulfilling prophecy etc so it was nice to stumble upon this blog randomly and read something very similar.

I'm based in the London and on our morning program this moring on the BBC the presenters were talking in sombre tones about the doom that is cast over the country and discussing ways to be cheerful in these depressing times - what??

If you listen enough to the news services, you start believing that all is doom. And if you do, you start reining back on everything and in doing so help pull the economy down (over simplification I know but you get the idea!)

I'm generally composed and logical in my reasoning but can't help myself pointing the finger at the media for accelerating the economic downturn (not the cause to be clear).

But then, I can't help but wonder if the confidence that the media injected at the growth in the housing market (i.e. do up you house and make a profit, how to ake a million buying and selling kind of programs) fueled people's willingness to take out more credit.

Common sense needs to be handed out in these times.

If you thought that borrowing 5 times your salary was ok when histroy dictates that 3 times was the maximum you should risk... then oh dear.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:51:54 +0000

Insightful reading, Eric.

Having just moved across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland, I'm glad I'm renting a property for now, and that I don't have that headache of home ownership during the downturn.

I like that quote from Zinni:

"When you run with the crowd all you see is a bunch of asses."

By: Toby

Toby — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:36:52 +0000

Eric - if not for value and price what else do you have to work with in a business environment? it may sound simplistic but it really is quite complex. what was of value yesterday may not be today nor may the price be as well. so how can an enterprise regroup in this economy and satisfy their customers while making a profit? better understanding needs, better service, costs and value aligned with the economic situation? what does it take to do that? how do you cut costs without cutting product value? do you 'right size' staff? move to less expensive offices? cut employee benefits? increase marketing? build stronger relationships? better service? do ou offer smaller sizes?

i still say .. bottom-line .. it goes back to a price/product value which some may call "brand." what will I sacrifice for your brand? what will you sacrifice for my purchase? why you and not your competition?

By: Ginger Conlon

Ginger Conlon — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:54:13 +0000

As a colleague keeps reminding me, there are two options in the current climate: cut costs or add revenue. I'm personally trying to be as creative as possible about both, thinking differently, aiming for a fresh perspective.
Yes, economies are in a precarious place, but most organizations are still conducting their daily business as always (albeit more cautiously on the cost side and perhaps more aggressively on the sales side). They all still need to get customers' attention, serve those customers well, and bring in revenue. If we as creatives can provide services that help them to reach their goals, then we have opportunities. Martha Rogers (1to1 guru) reminds people to ask themselves, "What would your customers be willing to pay for that's not available right now at any price, and that you could deliver for them." (Her personal example is that she'd pay to reserve the overhead bin right over her seat when she flies.)
If I can find new ways to bring value to our customers--as well as deliver on our existing promises--then I think we can navigate these rough waters and be in strong position on the other side.