Today, most of the world is struggling. The economy is struggling, people are struggling, small businesses are struggling, congress is struggling, and just about everyone else is struggling. These times are probably making you doubt whether or not you can survive in today’s world.

Not too long ago, you were able to run to the bank and take out a loan for any unexpected costs, or to help pay for expansion or new marketing ideas. But not in today’s world. There have been small businesses that have taken out loans before, and paid it off earlier than expected, and have been denied today, because all of a sudden they are a “high risk loan.” How that works, I’m not sure. When people are scared, we do irrational things that can actually make things work while we think we’re looking out for our best interest.

One of my favorite quotes is by Harry Vardon: “There are two types of people-those who keep there nose up while in despair and win championships-and those who do not.”

So you want to be one of the small businesses that, against the odds, still comes up with creative ideas, implements effective strategies, and will be one of the businesses people look up too. Continue reading →