When I was young, our family spent time at a secluded lake house.  I recall sneaking off to a hidden spot where someone had built a cool tree house. To get to the main part of this ingenious tree house, you had to cross a 30-foot rope bridge strung between two trees, about 25-feet off the ground.  I didn’t for an instant consider the danger it posed, and yet, today, I would never consider taking such a risk..

So how did I lose this daring bravado?  Why do I find myself steering clear of taking risks?  Isn’t it risk that got me into my own business? 

Recently, I asked my clients what more I could do to help them.  I wanted to find out what new challenges they might face in their businesses, to see if I couldn’t find some way to help them.

The common thread seemed to be that everyone feels downtrodden.  They’re taking on more of the workload, working longer hours, cutting back on expenses, and riding out the economic storm.

While I certainly understand and feel the economic pinch, maybe I haven’t lost that daring bravado after all.  I’m not waiting for the economy to bounce back; I’m getting creative about finding ways of reaching new clients, and developing new marketing strategies to educate potential clients on the benefits and value of working with a virtual professional.

I think I know a secret.   I might be one of a select few people who realizes that while everyone else is cutting back, this is probably the best time for me to jazz up and increase my marketing to stay top-of-mind.

So I challenge you to find that daring and take steps to keep your business going and growing.  Even if it’s just revamping your marketing materials or website, creating a new tag-line, attending a networking event, or starting that blog you’ve been wanting, now is the time to take action, get organized, consider options to increase productivity and workflow, and stay positive.  And should you need someone to discuss your challenges with, keep me in mind!