Information overload

We are indeed in a new world. I asked a group of young entrepreneurial men and women, “Where do you get your news?”. I expected a variety of answers, ranging from TV, internet feeds, and morning radio, to Facebook, Twitter, and daily blogs. I knew that newspapers would be very low on the list. But what I didn’t expect was the answer “Nowhere”. Apparently, this generation expects the news to come to them.

They suffer from Information Overload. No longer do the ways of our parents apply, when news of the world around you was actively pursued by buying a newspaper or switching on the television, and where all a business had to do was slip their message in with it. Today people expect that if the news is important, then it will pursue them, and with a barrage of messages at every turn, they shun rather than pursue more information.

Which means no-one is paying attention to your message.

This fundamental shift in how we communicate as a society means today’s business leader or entrepreneur – whether 16 or 60 – needs to develop successful strategies to distinguish themselves from the competition. The rules for ‘getting out your message’ are changing everyday. It is clear that you need to be remarkable, or just stay home. Clicking your way through a powerpoint presentation is nothing more than delivering data, and a long way from successfully communicating a memorable message.

The big winners in today’s overloaded market place are those who have understood this new world, and actively pursue the skills to overcome the challenges.

Business that booms in recession

Did you know more millionaires are made in recession than ANY other time in history?

Are you excited to be in business right now? Or are you twitching at the seams every morning? While a receding economy frightens many, it motivates others into action because they know history will repeat itself. People DO make money in a recession. The question is: are you positioned to be one of them?

There is a wealth of opportunity proliferating the marketplace at the moment, both online and off. There are businesses that are labelled recession-proof, and there are industries that are born in times like this. And while it does take a certain skill to shift the wheat from the straw – motivated, dynamic, energized, entrepreneurial people are taking action.

Instead of crossing their fingers and hoping to avoid a downturn, entrepreneurial types are researching the boom industries. If you are positioned to take advantage of the lower prices, stocks and property are a good buy. If you’re a novice to stocks, think laterally in terms of what industries are ready to soar. Alternative energy development is high on the list. As is internet marketing.

One industry that seems to stand out in the recession-proof stakes is anti-ageing. Whether you agree with the politics or philosophies of it or not, there is no denying that as a species we are a vain lot.

The skin care industry is a huge ever-expanding market. Not only are more countries opening their borders, but the Baby Boomers are one-third of the population – they control 70% of the wealth and 50% of consumer spending… people who are ready to buy their way to health and beauty. Research has been done on what people will go without during tough times. A list was made of the top 10 items people stopped buying. Would it shock you to know skin care was not even on the list?

There are several great direct selling companies in the health and beauty industry and I honour them all, but as an example, allow me to share information I have from Nu Skin Enterprises that proves my point. December sales commissions paid out were $49.8 million. The total commissions paid out in 2008 were just under $600 million. Their trump-card product sales grew last year by 500% (introduced in 2003, NSE had to build a new factory in Singapore in 2008 to keep up with demand for the Galvanic Spa). Forbes magazine listed their stock as a ‘BUY’.

Why? Because despite a flailing economy, the skin care industry is booming. Scientists are continually working to unlock age prevention – not correcting or covering up, nor doing anything unnatural, toxic, or ridiculously expensive, but rejuvenating, revitalizing, reviving and controlling your skin’s future. And direct selling companies with the resources of scientists on staff to develop products that the consumer uses in their own home are winning hands down in this industry.

I am unashamedly a fan, and yes, NSE produces income for my family and many of my clients. But before you begin complaining and start pointing at Kim Klaver on me, just take notice of what these facts are telling you. Money is there to be made. Even today.

What changes are you making in your business to ensure it ‘booms’ in the changing economy?