Perspective

"Don't find fault. Find a remedy." Henry Ford, inventor and industrialist

It seems like everywhere we turn these days, economic doom and gloom is the topic of conversation - whether it is on the news, at the water cooler, or at the dinner table. It almost seems hopeless. I don’t know about you, but it after a while it can’t help but get to you. I read something this week that helped me put the current economic conditions into perspective, and I thought I would share a portion of it with you.

“Even in a recession, more than 90 percent of workers who want to work will be employed. Even in a recession, most businesses will make a profit. Even in a recession in this era, more than 10 million men and women will need cars and trucks. Many millions will need new homes. Tens of millions will need retirement investment products and life insurance. In the United States, even in a recession, there are plenty of people with money to spend….There's another key truth about recessions: They always end, and the economy always goes on to a new plateau. It may take a while, but the economy always moves on to a new high.” Ben Stein actor, comedian, lawyer, professor, White House speechwriter and game show host.

He is right. People are still spending money. People still consume and have wants and desires. Lives are still busy and people still desire convenience and ease. We still want to eat out. It is just how and where we spend our money that is going to change. I am sure that you have altered your spending as well. But you haven’t stopped spending have you?

The trick is going to be trying to avoid focusing on saving money and focus on making money. We all need to raise our games. Find innovative menu ideas. Become more efficient. Find labor saving steps. Improve service standards.

You are a smart consumer. You make good decisions with your money. What are the things that inspire you to spend? How do you decide where you are going to dinner? What is special about that place? The answers to those questions can be a great guide to what you can do to become the business that not only survives the down economic times but the business that thrives.