Ready for a rant?

In January 2008 I wrote Beat the Recession. Why? it seemed pretty clear to any observer that all the signs were there, that Europe, the US, Asia and (in fact pretty well everywhere-Finland seems OK at the moment!) would slip into recession and some summarised guidance of great practices might be helpful. When the book was published in February 2008, I was frequently given a hard time e.g. by BBC Radio 4's PM programme for 'hyperbole'. So-am I delighted to be vindicated? No. And I got it wrong anyway. This recession is and will be much, much tougher than I think any commentator observed. We have at least passed denial. But many of us have not accepted reality. My belief-if I may be so bold and from my continuing experience-is that not enough time is being paid to recession proofing in your business. Still.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Set up a dedicated Beat the Recession team whose accountability is ensuring every idea is implemented and followed through.
2. Establish excellent argumentation as to why you are an investment not a cost.
3. Turn your qualitative ('great creativity') differentiators into quantitatives ('what's the return?') 
4. Find out what works at preserving margin eg. negotiation techniques and  do more of it and replicate it across the sales force.
5. Make  the tough decisions you have been delaying.
6. Work on personal and team resiliance. Take breaks, walk. Learn meditation.
7. And don't leave it until January 2009.