What steps can you take to protect your business in economic "meltdowns"?

Headlines are blazing these days with the tumbling of one financial institution after another. People like me who claim "whistling while you work" is a good business strategy certainly appear inapt in the light of recent events.

While I watch the CNN Money reports and search out information through my networks, I don't apologize for making the following suggestions:

1. Just because the news reports it - doesn't mean it's exactly as it appears. (Surely after all the tale tell stories that have followed weeks or even years after major national and international events - we have learned that the news is not always unbiased and sound.)
They do their job. And we need to do ours.

2. Just because the news reports the information - it doesn't necessarily imply it is YOUR news. You actually have the right to write your own news bulletins. One could write something along the lines...

XYZ Manufacturing released a startling financial report today to the amazement of their shareholders. While economic terror is slowly sweeping the nation, folks at XYC are grateful and wearing a grin. Due to the need for XYZ products in rebuilding those areas struck by Mother Nature's ill temper, and even at offering their products for 15% less than their lowest price as a way of global responsibility, XYZ reported revenues up 30% over last years indicators in September 2007.

When CEO Slapper John was asked, "What cutbacks will you employ to reduce your financial risks in the future months," Slapper responded methodically. "We intend to reduce the influence of negative projections, increase our employee recognition programs, and continue to expect that we will be, all we need to be, where and when we are needed"

In other words, don't hesitate to be the creator of your own future. Don't let the fears of people who are fed a diet of fear and awe, become your only focus. Take responsibility for your creative power.

3. If you spend 30 minutes reading the paper or blogs reporting on your investments or TV reports on the how the DOW closed, spend at least 30 minutes focused on:

a. How many times in your life you thought there was no other way, and in retrospect, you found the new way better than you expected?
b. How many gifts you have in your life that you can't buy with money.
c. How could you create a TRIPLE WIN STRATEGY in tough times- meaning, how could your business take care of your customers, yourselves and someone else in what seems to be a time of paralysis for many businesses.
d. What windows of opportunity are there for your businesses in this challenging environment?

Now is not the time for a creative meltdown. Times like these offer us challenges that, when given a chance to do so, human beings can experience some of their brightest moments. You can be thinking about solutions, possibilities, opportunities, triple win, gratitude and how to be the answer in your community. How can you contribute to the betterment of everyone involved? What could your company contribute?

THINK BIG. THINK BRAVE.