Tom Trush | Phoenix copywriter and marketing strategist

“Wall Street sells off as consumers snap wallets shut”

– Reuters, Friday, Nov. 14

Follow the mainstream media and you probably find it hard to believe there are plenty of positives resulting from today’s economic climate.

You’ll find 10 examples in this Kiplinger article alone.

These positives prove you can make money now by simply taking a closer look at your market.

First, there’s no question people are cutting expenses. However, these purchases primarily include products and services that aren’t considered necessities.

Regardless of the economy, certain items sell well because people believe they must have them.

One way of determining your prospects’ desires is by analyzing their problems. What are your prospects agonizing over?

You can find out by paying attention to their questions. (Scanning comments on industry blogs and forums is an easy way to learn what they’re asking.) Then, all you have to do is provide solutions.

Sure, it seems simple. But the challenge is overcoming your desire to provide prospects with what you want, instead of the solutions they desire.

Once you determine your solution, explore ways to deliver your message. If you think conventional advertising and marketing sources are too pricey, now is the perfect time to look at other distribution channels.

I’ve mentioned it many times, but I think Twitter is still an underused means for conveying your message.

Also, if you’re not doing it now, start collecting e-mails from your website. Without question, this is the easiest way to guarantee you always have access to qualified prospects.

I use AWeber for this task. The service is easy to use and the price is right (just $19 a month).

Now is the time to reinforce your position in your industry.

Let others be slow to react.