Consumer Confidence At All Time Low

The Consumer Confidence Survey recently indicated another sharp decline in the Consumer Confidence Index hitting another historic low of 25 in the month of February.

Says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center: "The Consumer Confidence Index™, which was relatively flat in January, reached yet another all-time low in February (Index began in 1967). The decline in the Present Situation Index, driven by worsening business conditions and a rapidly deteriorating job market, suggests that overall economic conditions have weakened even further this quarter. Looking ahead, increasing concerns about business conditions, employment and earnings have further sapped confidence and driven expectations to their lowest level ever. In addition, inflation expectations, which had been easing over the past several months, have moderately picked up. All in all, not only do consumers feel overall economic conditions have grown more dire, but just as disconcerting, they anticipate no improvement in conditions over the next six months." (This quote was taken from the Consumer Confidence Survey Press Release).

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Keep It High Touch!

-Ernie DiMalanta

Sales and Marketing Performance Trends for Small & Medium Business

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The Best Dressed Small Business in America

In this month's Esquire magazine an article titled, "The Secret Life of a Well-Dressed Man" was written about my friend Kenyatte Nelson who was named America's best dressed real man last fall. While reading this article I recalled the importance of supporting your image with brand strategies.

If you know Kenyatte, you would agree that he is a confident individual who knows what he is about, where he is going, and how he plans to get there. His style is a result of his convictions, and intentionality. He knows how to control image (it helps that he is also a brand manager at Proctor and Gamble and also maintains his own fashion blog- Tweed & Velvet).

If I had to put clothes on your company based on it's brand strategies, would it look like a combination of Miami Vice and My Name is Earl? Does your company image confidently portray thoughtful strategies? Does it appeal to your market? Do you even have a strategy?

Don't sign wrap your vehicles, place that next ad, or make that next big presentation without getting your hands around your brand.

Keep it High Touch!

-Ernie DiMalanta

What is Your Recession Sales Strategy?

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