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What has been labeled as the “Top 3″ automakers are back at Capital Hill to plead their case. They are trying to receive what some have deemed as a “loan” while others think it’s more of a “back-scratching” technique. Nonetheless the situation in itself is huge and has a direct impact on the economy (i.e. see financial bailout). Some of the readers may know I work for an outdoor advertising company and come to find out because of one of the “Top 3″ not having any marketing funds that’s an automatic 10%+ from our line (as a company as a whole).

The ripple effect is what people are failing to see in this economic turmoil. Yet, the ripple effect works works both ways. There are now talks about for a couple months not having to pay FICA or any kind of Income Tax. Instead that money would be given back to you to do so as you please.

So how does this apply to you, besides the possibility of losing your day job? Well quite honestly it has everything to do with you…in principle. From the financial industry to the automakers when they needed help they turned to the government with their hands out. What happens to you when your business starts to struggle? Where do you turn – who can you turn to?

The majority of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses and they are the ones struggling just to make it. Yet you do not see them running to Washington to ask for funds or lower interest rate for their loan. No, they are doing everything they can to think outside the box – in fact they are throwing the box away and looking into new models of business.

Bootstrapping is coming into new meaning with the economic downturn but that is a positive thing believe it or not. Color me optimistic but looking over economics big businesses were failing smaller (struggling) businesses were growing. Now is not the time to spend huge dollars on marketing/advertising but give the customers what they want. They want more bang for the buck.

This weekend go to a local bar/club and you’ll be amazed at the amount of people in it (or lack thereof). There are a few things that bar/club did to get the people in:

1) stop charging cover

2) gives discounts on drinks

3) include music artist or free gifts to the patrons.

Three things that wouldn’t hurt the over head and shows that they want what’s best for the customer and they are feeling their pain. These are things to think about and why days like Black Friday are such a hit especially this year. In online sales the increase from last year is 10%.

These are things to think about for the next 12-16 months as the economy turns around…