[Matt Lindus]

We are just about entering the deepest and prolonged recession that people will ever see. This isn’t just a recession its the collapse and failing of the hub of what makes the world tick, the banks.

Even the lucrative side of our business (Ariel’s) is now taking a hit.

Now is the time to,,

Stop all spending and start looking at implementing a shut up shop strategy on targeting new custom, target only excising customers.
Look at reducing you vehicles usage, to save on fuel. Try and combine jobs in areas.
Go through your accounts weeding out unnecessary Insurances and payments.
Stop spending on all luxuries including eating out.
Knock pub going on the head.
Holidays.
Shop around for better deals on everything.

Just hang on to every penny you have and think intelligently about how you are going to spend it.
Its now you really feel the benefit of building an established and sustained business through customer service. The customer knows you and respect you and will hopefully support and guide you through these tough years to come.
Its those businesses that are in it only for money and rely on new custom to operate a profit that will fail.

Matt


 

[JandS]

Thanks for cheering me up.
What is anybody in business in it for other than money??

John

[derek west]

yes i agree, all of you, stop advertising for new clients. :

[Simon Moss]

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree, if the whole country does what you suggest, then wouldn't the "recession" never end as nobody would be spending, and nobody would consequently be getting paid or have work?

I'm sure everyone has heard of this story, but google "Hot dog story" and read it to see what I mean, very american, but then most business stories are!

I for one will be carefull with what I spend, as always but believe if everyone does as you say it will be a self fulfilling prophecy!

Simon

[elite mike]

may as well just kill yourself really

well ime off soon to have a pub lunch with my mrs

then polish it off with a couple of bottles of red tonight

[Matt Lindus]

Simon,

I am only suggesting this to a very tiny amount of people compared to the worlds population. I hope the worlds population keeps spending even if its at a very steady rate.
You can **** money away by advertising in a depression, all people are currently doing is paying for a home, warmth, food, water and the rest is going in a place ready for what people have been lead to believe will be Armageddon, the news and press are mostly responsible.

Matt

[nevil]

I reckon a lot of people out there will be looking at their spending plans with a view to bringing down spending in the coming months/years.
Of course some housholds will choose essentials above getting us in. But higher up the social ladder it is possible that some folks might have to make do with getting their carpets cleaned rather than replaced. New carpets would be pretty high on the list of things that could be trimmed from peoples spending plans.

I don't think stopping looking for new business is the answer. I personally have no problems getting on my bike and delivering leaflets myself to keep costs down. But as you have said it would be daft to neglect your existing customer database.

[psg]

Matt,
your a proper Alf Garnot you should diversify into selling sets of stanley knife blades for your suicide kits. If we do what U say it will be the return of the Vikings pilaging, looting & burning.

PSG

[Mike Osbourne]

It's slightly ironic that the new great depression coincides with Darwin's 200th anniversary.

Environmental change and competition make sure those who adapt survive and those who don't become exstinct.

This is true in nature and for business with only two exceptions, benefit scroungers and Bankers.

[Simon Moss]

Matt,

I did not reply to be in any way rude to you.

Advertising is still working for me, so will continue to do so. I agree that you have to spend your money wisely, but that is surely something we should always do anyway?
I cannot speak for yours or other business, as I say if it works for you,then great! If advertising is not working, find out why, and change to make it work, if it still doesn't work, then drop that particular medium. I certainly won't be paying for large yellow pages adverts, splashing out on new kit, radio avertising etc, but agree that it is a time to not neglect current customers and try to improve refferal systems to keep costs down (again, shouldn't this always be the case?)

Regards

Simon

p.s I dare you to tell my wife she can't have her Greek holiday this year 

[clinton]

Matt

I know where your coming from.

Just think as you said if you have debts in buisness get them paid off.

Am looking at getting an upgrade but have decided to wait as at the mo i have a good income no outlay, my advertising is costing me next to nothing.

There again we have booked our hols for the summer as we got a good deal

[Matt Lindus]

I think poor Jade Goodey has slightly more worring thing to be thinking about. Like trying to live long enough to see summer.

Doesn't that put things into perspective.

Matt

[derek west]

as a celebrity, (and i use the term loosely) i have no time for jade goody, but as one human being to another i feel for the girl and hope somehow she overcomes this illness and surprises us all, , all though saying that, if she did, how many of us would think this is a publicity stunt?

my prayers are with anyone who is suffering this terrible disease, i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

derek

[rob fryer]

Spending now more than the last couple of years, lots more on advertising lots more on equipment and doing more work .Whats the point of cutting back, fight for your work and if you fail at least you no you did as much as you could .
Rob

[The Great One]

Hi

Same as Rob.

Yes there are certain things you can cut back on and I certainly have. I think that you do still need to advertise for new customers as you cannot guarantee that your customers will even stay with you, some move, some die, that's life.

You need to look after your current customers as well as getting new ones, or diversify into new areas.

Regards

Martin 

[richy27]

Its talk like this that has put us into recession of course you have to watch what you borrow or at all in times as these but why oh why stop advertising its a bit like being on a plane about to ditch and you throw out the only parachute. Fine if you have been in business for donkeys you maybe able to survive on existing customers WELL DONE. But for us newbys give it a rest. We are prob in a fortunate position as we can pretty much dictate how much ads cost us.

Although you are entitled to your opinion i think you need an od on the happy pills no offense intended.
Plus surely some of you huge existing customer database will cut out having there carpets cleaned and some people who would of changed their carpets and uph would seek having them cleaned in preferance.

[markpowell]

I believe that through these difficult financial times, that we cc's will be one of the few professions that will benefit, the ones to suffer will be the retailers of new carpets and furniture.
As the new car sales drop 50%, the garages doing MOTs and motor repairs are booming with business.
This recession will get rid of all the people who are S**T at there job, and yes people will price shop to get the best deal, if i have to adjust my prices slightly then i will do. When things start to get back to normal in say 2-3 years time then maybe there will only be 2 carpet cleaners in my area rather than 7, so my prices will be adjusted accordingly again due to demand.
I am stepping up my marketing to try and keep that one step ahead, the commercial market is going to get targeted more as business cut back on costs, they will be getting offices, restaurants, nursing homes cleaned instead of re-fitted.
THE CREAM FLOATS TO THE TOP, THE CRAP WILL GO UNDER!!
Good Luck Mark

[daysdeepclean]

If you get through this economic downturn, you'll get through anything! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger they say!

It's a case of being positive and focused and I too believe that our line of profession may well benefit from the recession. With regards to advertising, it should be suggested that having carpets/upholstery cleaned is a hell of a lot cheaper than replacing them!

[Joe H]

I believe that through these difficult financial times, that we cc's will be one of the few professions that will benefit, the ones to suffer will be the retailers of new carpets and furniture.
As the new car sales drop 50%, the garages doing MOTs and motor repairs are booming with business.
This recession will get rid of all the people who are S**T at there job, and yes people will price shop to get the best deal, if i have to adjust my prices slightly then i will do. When things start to get back to normal in say 2-3 years time then maybe there will only be 2 carpet cleaners in my area rather than 7, so my prices will be adjusted accordingly again due to demand.
I am stepping up my marketing to try and keep that one step ahead, the commercial market is going to get targeted more as business cut back on costs, they will be getting offices, restaurants, nursing homes cleaned instead of re-fitted.
THE CREAM FLOATS TO THE TOP, THE CRAP WILL GO UNDER!!
Good Luck Mark

Mark
I think you spot on there with your analysis.

I dont think we need to stop spending, but be more careful where and on what we spend what money is available, and that includes advertising and equipment/materials etc.

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

I have had my best Jan ever and Feb is looking good too.

If I was the sort of person to give up I would never have survived in CC and that goes for all the established guys.

Onwards and upwards.

Doug