The time is here to promote your business again!

Yes, unemployment is high, credit is tight, consumer confidence is still shaky and the economy has been bouncing off the bottom. But, the economy IS slowly improving and on the upswing. Corporate profits are up and stock market investors are starting to come back strongly into the market. Most economists will tell you that employment in a recession is a lagging indicator (the last to improve). The economy just isn't likely to go much lower but it is certainly likely to go up. The rule any investor lives by is "Buy low, Sell High". So NOW is the time to invest in your own business and beat your competitors to the punch. The potential rewards can be substantial.

Those astute businesses who increase their marketing budgets and promote their brand and products early in an economic upswing are much more likely to increase their market share and long term profits. Marketing costs are the lowest in a couple of decades and pent-up consumer demand is at a distinct high point. This view point is shared by some of the biggest names in business - just look at who's advertising heavily on TV and other public media right now.

Some of the best marketing and advertising bargains are available right after the Holiday Season - when many of the big box retailers sharply cut their advertising and promotional budgets. This may be the lowest cost opportunity you will have in many years to come to put your brand and products in front of your best audiences. When you speak out loud and strong when the competition is still whispering and whimpering, guess who's more likely to be heard?

It's time to step out on the plate! But spend your time and money wisely. Until the good times are back in full force, consumers are still looking for value and will remain cautious in their spending. So it is important that you know your potential customers well, target to them carefully and craft your message(s) to them effectively.