Many businesses of all sizes and industries had a sharp blow to the budget in late 2008. This should not be a shock to anybody who has seen the news recently. Fear not, my friends, for the money fairy will be making Santa-like deliveries in January 2009. At least this seems to be the consensus of business owners and managers that I have talked with and read about recently.
I have operated businesses for decades, but I have never seen such a confused view on business and economy as the past quarter. I have had many conversations with brilliant people in many industries, and without fail, they all seem to project a brighter outlook in January 2009. With this sort of bright outlook for January in the shadow of their bleak view in December, I have to question where they get their information and inspiration.
I reflected on the balance of logic and emotion in the marketplace in my recent article titled “Recession Marketing: Choosing Logic Over Emotion“. Since that article, I have had opportunities to hear from others and I want your input.
Is There a Money Fairy?
I will share my experience, and I would love to hear from you and know if your experience is similar.
I fielded extraordinary numbers of requests for proposals for new Website development in December. In fact, it was a big rise from the past few months. In an attempt to move the market to swift action and even out our scheduling, I offered anywhere from 50-70% discounts for them to take action yet in 2008. This produced many seemingly earnest answers from respondents, but the overwhelming majority was willing to pay double the cost for the same work in January. Some of this was surely a put-off by people without the financial means to take action, but some was not. I have spoken with many other professionals in my field as well as other industries, and what several of us concluded is that there is a “money fairy” coming. This is the only way we could reconcile the wasted opportunities to save huge amounts of money and spend more money a very short time later to receive the same thing.
Are You Waiting for a Money Fairy?
I want to know your take on this. Do you believe in the money fairy, or are companies really scared enough to waste time and money by waiting for greener pastures in January?
Author Mark Murnahan is the Chairman and CEO of YourNew.com, Inc. and provides SEO consulting services to companies and non-profit organizations. Mark Murnahan may be reached toll free at 866-A-Web-Guy (*REDACTED DUE TO AGING WEBSITE*) for consultation.