Don't Just Sit There....

Do Something!

That's my rallying cry for today.

And I don't mean "cry" as in whine, baby. I mean my call to arms.

Listen to this: Reporter James Surowiecki wrote a piece in last week's New Yorker magazine called "Hanging Tough." In the late nineteen-twenties, two companies -- Kellogg and Post -- dominated the relatively new market for ready-to-eat cereal. When the Depression hit, Post did what a lot of companies are doing today -- reined in expenses and cut back on advertising. Kellogg did the opposite: Increased advertising, new products, aggressive marketing. By 1933, even as the economy went on life-support, Kellogg's profits increased by nearly thirty percent and it had become the industry's dominant force. As it is today.

Morale of story: Every business has two options right now -- take a "wait and see" (Honey Bunches of Oats) or "full throttle" (Frosted Flakes). Simple as that.

Right now I am seeing lots of opportunities to get in front of influential decision-makers. The reason: Nobody knows anything. We're all trying to figure it out on a day by day basis and so when an expert comes a-calling with a clear and lucid message, we're all ears. And when everyone is hunkering down in their batcave, there's something compelling about meeting with someone who's optimistic. Resourceful. And nice (don't forget to send a thank you note.)

Uncertain times are scary yes but they can also create opportunities. Take a risk. Upgrade your website. Schedule some lunches and pick up the check. Polish your narrative so you come across as focused, energized and supremely competent. Do something big, grand, exciting and different.

Think Froot Loops (Kellogg). Not Pebbles (Post).