650,000+ job losses in a month

4,400,000 jobs gone since the recession started, a drop of 2,600,000 in the last four months alone.

8.1% unemployment rate in February, highest in 25 years.  Rates up in every sub-category, 21% for teens.

Long term unemployment up to nearly 3 million.

Poverty up

Foreclosures up

Food stamp needs up

Those without insurance up

Stock market plummeting

401-k’s at record lows

AND HERE I AM, TRYING TO CONVINCE BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION.  YEA, SMART MOVE, HUH?!

In sales, experts would tell you that you need to hit on one of two themes:  greed or fear.  Fear works better in a recession; fear of losing customers, top talent, or even the business if conditions deteriorate further.

So I’ve decided to concentrate my business on an industry where the majority of my clients reside; Retail.  Like all others, it is in retreat.  However people still need to buy stuff, and there is no other industry where the link between engaged employees, loyal customers and the bottom line has been proven over and over again.

But it is all good… in 17 years my older son begins to pay us back for the investment we made in his education.  24 years and my younger son begins to do the same.

I’ll let you know how it turns out.