Brother Roundtable: Who Says a Slow Economy Has to Slow Down Your Small Business

Who knew that a two month delay would make the topic of helping small businesses thrive in a slow economy even more timely? Back in August, Yvonne and I were invited to speak at a roundtable in New York City entitled "Who Says a Slow Economy Has to Slow Down Your Small Business?" hosted by Brother.

Steve Strauss, USA Today small business columnist, blogger at MrAllBiz.com, and author of The Small Business Bible, moderated the discussion. In addition to Yvonne and me, the panelists were:

• Carmina Perez — Mogulette-in-the-Making
• Bob Phibbs — The Retail Doctor
• Gene Marks — The Marks Group
• Peter Piazza — About.com Guide to Printers & Scanners
• Jay Heyman — All You Need is a Good Idea

I've been waiting for the video to post about the discussion and now that they're here, today's time crunch prevents me from doing anything but posting them. As might be expected, some of the "good stuff" (at least as I perceived it) got left on the cutting room floor. So I'll try to do another post later to fill in some details. But I do think the clips here provide a useful variety of ideas on how small businesses can weather the current economic crisis.

Here's the first clip (follow the link at the bottom to the full post for the others):

 

 

Business in a Tight Economy from Brother International on Vimeo.

Comments

[Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor]

Since the Brother roundtable two months ago, a lot has happened. I was recently at the Retail Merchants Association Economic Summit in Richmond, Virginia. I’ve posted a video so you can see my thoughts at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnmvTEVWGAI

The setup: two well-respected economists give their facts and figures and talk about the upcoming holiday season. After twenty minutes of doom and gloom, it was my turn. Yes, there is a fire in the economy that is going to burn poor businesses but it doesn’t have to be you; watch and find out how to compete. BTW - if you click on the “Watch in high quality,” on the bottom of the player you’ll get the best picture.

[Tom Collins]

Hi Bob,

Well, that's kind of an understatement that "a lot's happened" in the economy in the last two months!

I just took a look at your Retail Summit video and for retailers (and anyone else who sells a product or service) and may be in that "woe is me" mindset, it's 10 minutes well spent.

Here's the active link:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnmvTEVWGAI

[Jay Heyman]

Two thoughts:
1. Though my blog is relatively new, and usually gets fewer hits than a paper target in a blind man's shooting gallery, it is still a most useful tool, as evidenced by the fact that it got me onto the Small Business Roundtable in the first place.
2. A blog, like other communications, is just the mechanical part. As I point out in my book, All You Need Is A Good Idea! (available at all the usual outlets, and through a link on my blog), it is the content, the idea, that makes something stand out. And I submit that, especially today, there is nothing more effective or economical than a good marketing idea to build your business...or your blog.