Okay, okay, I'll admit it. Even this Pollyanna has to accept the fact that things are slow. I think things will be a lot better after the election is over, no matter who wins. The uncertainty of the outcome is enough to make everyone a little hesitant to spend money on anything but the necessities. I consider employee training to be a necessity, but I recognize that some of my potential customers may not be on the same page. (smile) So what do I do now?

Choosing optimism
I could be a pessimist. I could decide that the situation won't get any better until after the first of the year. After all, my business normally slows down a bit during the holiday season. Or I could be an optimist, by Churchill's explanation. I'd rather be an optimist because it makes me happier. I like being happy.

So what's my opportunity? This is a great time to solidify relationships with existing customers. I can make sure my database has up-to-date contact information, including mailing addresses. I can send thank you or holiday cards or notes to my current customers, letting them know how much I appreciate their business. I can spend a little time figuring out what my customers' needs are and how I can meet those needs in 2009.

If it's not working...
This is also an opportune time to decide what's working and what isn't. One of my favorite authors, Douglas Adams, wrote, "A learning experience is one of those things that says, 'You know that thing you just did? Don't do that.' " When business has slowed down a bit, you have a chance to decide which of those customer service activities are good uses of your resources, and which aren't. If you spent time training your staff, has it helped? If you put into place a customer recognition program, have you had less attrition? Did you spend your time and your advertising dollars attracting new customers? Are you seeing positive results?

The most important thing is to keep moving in a direction that helps your customers and lets them know they are important and valuable to you. They are, after all, what keeps you in business. Remember that it is always more cost-effective to hang onto existing customers than it is to find and convince new ones.

So if you are experiencing a slow-down right now, put the time to good use. In fact, I think I'll take my own advice and start writing some thank you notes now.

Happy Election Day! Don't forget to vote!