November 30. 2009 17:01

We at Marble Works decided last fall to expand our geographical reach as well as our product line in order to combat the recession.  The results have been that 2009's sales are an all time high for us!  We fully expect 2010 to be another record year.  Thanks Geri and Kevin for assisting in our success.

  Grace Here!  Thanks for being brave. . you are the first post!  Here at Etc? We're so excited about your success!  We're going wild. . . .going bananas!

Toby Tyler

November 30. 2009 17:56

At Hydro-Klean, we have continued to invest in our employees by providing them the best training and other educational experiences available. By attending industry tradeshows, taking part in leadership development programs and accomplishing professional development, our employees have the experiences and abilities to separate us from the competition. Working safely and being creative to solve problems continues to make the difference.

Matt Deutsch

November 30. 2009 19:25

Despite the economic downturn, Holmes Murphy continued to grow and expand by focusing on high quality service and expertise catering to the unique needs of our varied clients.  On a personal level, my own book of business grew dramatically and I reached personally goals I had set for myself for 2009.  Here's hoping 2010 is even better!

Jeff Clayton

December 1. 2009 01:24

Anticipating the effects of the economy, Hydro-Klean opened a second location in Duluth, MN to gain geographic market share and also to enter new market segments. The new location is leading to opportunities not possible without it.

Andy Merical

December 1. 2009 05:11

In spring of 2008 I underwent a drastic series of life-changing events in the short span of a few months: I graduated college, got married, landed my first job, lost my first job (thanks, economy) and started a business with my new bride. Starting a business was the last thing I ever thought I'd do, but it's proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. Entering a market with a plethora of seasoned competition, McClanahan Studio has succeeded almost entirely thanks to viral marketing and social networking (venues our competition has avoided adopting). We've booked 40 weddings almost exclusively through facebook, and trial + error this year has taught me more than my 4-year education ever did. We (my wife and I) went from being nobodies to being acclaimed as one of the top photographic duos in the midwest in 1 year thanks to hard work and the adaptation and utilization of new technologies.

We're still a far cry from our end goal, but adapting due to circumstances and changing our ambitions to match realistically has taken us on the adventure of a lifetime.

  Grace here!  You have had quite a number of major changes, and I must say, you have evolved through them quite nicely!  I have seen your work and it is fantastic! We wish you the best for the new year ahead. Press on! Thanks for posting!

Dan

December 2. 2009 20:13

 Grace here!  Ecstatic about the posts so far!  Great comments!  Make some noise!  When we focus on the goal, we get there. Funny how that works!  

Grace Guerilla

December 2. 2009 23:10

"Increased obstacles provide the perfect climate for invention. Limitations forge real creativity. Unlikely heroes are born in crisis. Crises beget some of the best innovations. The best lesson:  We learn not to take even one customer for granted." - I wanted to purely comment on this post. I absolutely agree! In particular, I think this statement does a great job of summing up the good that comes out of tough economic times.

KD

December 3. 2009 20:38

My thoughts on change are best summed up by @bhc3 who said today: Innovation program should be both transparent and below-the-radar. Too much attention, the corp antibodies come out. #ois09

I am glad that you have a slightly more optimistic view of change : )  

  Grace here!  We agree that change is hard and we frequently meet it with reluctance ourselves. But that being said, the resulting circumstances are directly dependent on our responses!  I appreciate your post!

HollyEgg

December 3. 2009 22:14

Our company has relied heavily upon staff creativity and innovation to adapt to change. Employees have come up with ideas, big and small, to increase business and client retention. Even little things, like the launch of our company intranet, have made it easier for us all to communicate and stay "in the know". Camaraderie among coworkers doesn't hurt either.

For me, it's not an isolated experience or lesson -- it's every day in the workplace, working with incredibly dynamic and intelligent people -- that teaches me the most and shows that adversity can be overcome with simple thoughts.

Anna

December 4. 2009 03:17

  Grace Here!  You don't know how much I appreciate the comments so far!  The true entrepreneur asks 'what is possible?', rather than standing there looking at impossible. In lean economic times we are encouraged to 'use the whole buffalo'. What do we have that we are not using to it's full potential?  God asked Moses,  "What is that in your hand?". Moses thought it was just a stick.

Grace Guerilla

December 5. 2009 04:56

I am a big believer that nothing is impossible. No client request is too big or too small. That is not to say the client is always right, but when you can make their product better by going that extra mile or coming through in a pinch, that is what keeps you ahead of the rest. Those who struggle to stay on top in the face of adversity will be prolific and successful in the good times. Here's to hoping this terrible economy takes a turn for the better. We could all use a little more breathing room.

Jeff Newsom

December 6. 2009 06:35

We've seen several of our clients make strong brand statements in the face of economic challenges this year, not the least of which was National Playground Compliance Group of Carlisle. They asked McLellan Marketing Group to help them discern their brand and build a whole new strategy based on strengths rather than on what the rest of the industry is doing. They stepped up rather than step back.

Now, instead of being one of several sources for playground equipment - and the price pressure that comes with that situation - they are the only playground manufacturer that looks like them, providing one-of-a-kind expertise and counsel in the development of safe and ADA accessible playgrounds. Will that get them 100 percent market share? Not likely. Some buyers will never get beyond the low-price choice. But it will create long-living relationships with playground buyers who put their children's safety at the top of their "must have" list.

In tough times, marketers that step forward - showing true courage - are the ones who will profit in the long run.

Mark True | Brand Warrior

December 9. 2009 00:03

The Family Tree is all about change. As a result of being uncomfortable with the economy we've been challenged to get comfortable with social media networking. We were both nervous to go outside our norm of  'word of mouth' advertising, but have found this connection with our community that we are really proud of. We've also had the opportunity to refine our vision for our business which has helped us keep sight of what our true values and focus are: our family and our customers. It looks like this next year will be a great one. Thanks to etc. Graphics for helping us to grow our business!
Sincerely,
Zach and Sandi Hoover
owners The Family Tree
3817 Ingersoll Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50312

Sandi Hoover

December 11. 2009 21:36

The Pet Project Midwest: The Pet Pantry

Everywhere you look, the toll of the economy is hurting families, often affecting the smallest members: dogs and cats. This year, four friends and I noticed that an increased number animals were being surrendered to rescue and shelter organizations. Owners are heartbroken, but simply can not keep the pet because the cost of food and supplies.

We want to change this trend. In addition to several other programs, we have started The Pet Pantry Midwest, under an umbrella organization called The Pet Pantry Midwest. We are working with local businesses, local shelters and a network of traditional food pantries to gather and distribute pet supplies to people who need assistance in order to keep their pets at home.

Our non-profit organization is what could be referred to as a “light” start-up. We have had all of our start-up costs donated by our board and by professionals we had met through networking. We are a true product of the times, our values statement reflects the shifts that all businesses, especially non-profits, will have to make to be successful in 2010 and beyond.
The Pet Project Midwest Values statement:
•  We are open, honest and transparent.
•  We treat each other and those we serve – people and animals – with compassion, respect and integrity.
•  We honor the need to be open to new and innovative ideas that move our cause forward.
•  We exercise leadership in the protection and promotion of animal welfare.
•  We form partnerships or strategic alliances in ways that best serve the animals.

If you share our ideals, and would like to become involved, please email me, or sign up on our website, and we will be in touch. www.thepetprojectmidwest.org

HollyEgg

December 12. 2009 00:28

I always think positive.  I'm hoping to have a 50 cup a day coffee shop one day!  Anyway, my good news is that my over 12 yr. sewing customer in my part-time business of sewing toy parachutes, has offered me a contract of sewing a new product for them.  I will be turning my back room at the coffee shop into a sweat shop!  Also I have cut inventory in this slow down time, sold a freezer, put in a cutting table/work bench & upgraded to an upholstery sewing machine so I can sew this new product!  They are bags for rechargeable batteries used with Remote control Cars/ boats/ planes.  So my coffee customers are happy I can keep open in this slower time, and I have a side job with money in the bag at the same location! Yea!

I've seen alot of ups and downs.  That customer used to order 3 times as much as they do now!  The NBA All-Star game used to get hundreds of chutes to drop to the crowds.  But I feel it's all working out & it's been a positive year!  So I'll end with my motto:  Blue Sky & Aim High!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Moe Kauzlarich, owner of Moe's Joe & Sew'n Moe

Moe Kauzlarich

December 12. 2009 22:59

I just opened my floral shop September 18, 2009.  I'm thankful for the positive response from the community.  I've continued to order quality fresh flowers and go through all the steps to make them last.  My mentor told me years ago that you can throw away a flower any day, but you can only throw away a customer once.  Think positive.  "If you think you can, you can.  And if you think you can't, you're right." (Mary Kay)
Jen Worthington
Flowers Island  

Jen Worthington

December 14. 2009 20:10

It's been a incredible year in the mortgage business, with Infinity Financial Group emerging as one of the leading mortgage brokerages in the entire state of Iowa. The continuous stream of negative press and business constricting legislation has not kept us down. We invested in our employees by allowing them to attend an all day leadership development seminar. We will soon more than double our office space and have recently brought on five new employees. At Infinity Financial the glass is half full and is about start running over.

Kyle Casey

December 15. 2009 00:55

My expertise is in the construction industry, which did not have a good year. The biggest lesson I learned as a result was to have confidence in my ability to adapt to new business segments. PR and writing -- when done right -- can help any business.

As a result I've worked with financial services clients, bakeries, personal conceirge companies and even a personal historian. The experiences have been fantastic and make me even more marketable as I go into 2010.

Kelly Moore

December 15. 2009 01:30

Tweetup Badges:
Tweetup Badges sprouted from my company VR ID Cards as part of my efforts to expand my  business utilizing social networking. I have found that in tough economic times the relationships and connections I have made through social networking are invaluable. People that you have an honest relationship with will, in many cases, go out of their way to help you out and they know you would do the same for them. You will always have those that will shop strictly on price. In tough economic times however more and more people look to do business with someone they already know and trust. Who wants to take a chance on someone new when money is tight.
A solid social network leads to word of mouth. Add great customer service and you have a recipe to carry you through tough times.
Rich

Rich Drake

December 15. 2009 06:39

Thanks you guys! You actually make it look like we know what we are doing!  Seriously...2009 has made homeowners appreciate the work on their house more than ever.  People are aware and appreciate what they already have so when they get new they are even more thrilled.  

I think it is important to remember the recession so we don't take advantage of the business we have.  It is always good to be grateful for what you have!

Carrie Norris

December 15. 2009 06:43

  Grace Here!  I've got to make some noise!  All the bad press right now about the markets and small business is enough to weigh you down with lead boots.  If the Wall Street Journal, and APM Marketplace would just take a look at some of these posts?  They would realize the sky ISN'T falling.  The spirit of the true entrepreneur is STILL prospering.  A very special thank you to everyone who has posted thus far. Your resilience and creativity are inspiring. These are the most promising 'economic' reports I've heard for a long time. Keep on keeping on. We're evolving into something better!

Grace Guerilla

December 15. 2009 20:13

economic downturn? I've been so busy that I can't remember what I've done this year. God is good to provide what we need, when we need it, and to top it off, my friends at ETC are always chipper in the face of frustration. Life is truly not meant to be lived alone; family and friends interweave to make life good, top off by the blessings of God! What a ride. Naysayers begone!
Friends are our chosen family.
Thanks for being part of ours.....

Chad Carrington

December 15. 2009 21:14

This has been a great year for us and we could not have done it without your help.  To quote Clyde Priest "The trick to running a successful business is liking what you do and being willing to put in extra effort." You guys always seem to put in the extra effort and have done a great job for us from our Show material and flyers to our shelf talkers.  Thank you, and Merry Christmas

Allean DuShane

December 15. 2009 22:00

In these tough economic times we hear a lot of talk on how to obtain new clients. We have also heard the best advertising is word of mouth. So a great way to get the new clients is by doing exceptional work with the clients you already have, internal marketing. Give your clients services beyond their expectations and let them know you appreciate them! Thank you goes a long way.

mark

December 16. 2009 01:14

Treasure your family.   Treasure your friends.  Treasure your clients.
Treat your clients like friends and family.  Listen to what they tell you.  Work with them in new and creative ways so they are able to purchase what they want.  Here at Images by Lynda Richards our photographic work continues to stay fresh from attending our professional photographer seminars and adding new products to our line. Repeat clientele is a true blessing, reaffirming we must be doing something right.  Thank you to etc!graphics, inc for giving me this opportunity to share this thought. Blessings to all for a great 2010.  

Lynda Richards

December 16. 2009 04:55

The Marion County Conservation Board continues to provide outdoor opportunities for all of Marion County and the visitors from all over the United States.  Beautiful parks and the diversity of wildlife can bring all of us together in a unique connection of the heart.  Nature is where it all begins, and as we go through this journey of hardships, war,recession and unmanageability, it is nice to be able to stop for a moment, feel the wind, listen to a bird sing or feel the crunch of leaves underfoot.  Thanks etc!Graphics for bringing our interpretation come to life!

Marion County Conservation Board

December 16. 2009 07:09

Look forward to working with Etc for all of our future needs.  

Jim

December 16. 2009 18:47

So I was alerted a few months back that I was losing my job of five years. In today's day and age, it's not a unique story by a long shot. After a lot of deliberation with myself and my wife, it was decided that I go back to work for myself again. (I had done Mac Consulting under the name Jon Thompson Consulting for 4.5 years, but left that to work for the employer that is laying me off.)

So Evolve was born. Our mission is to provide the best IT support possible for small to enterprise level business, which means tailoring support to each organization. Which means that the vast majority of what we do is support Macs. Some may want to have Evolve in to support just a couple of machines in a sea of PCs. Some may want to have Evolve act as an entire IT department, making recommendations to the leadership of the company how to move forward in terms of technology. It's up to the organization how the relationship progresses.

Anyhow, the near past has been enlightening, meeting great Entrepreneurs in the Des Moines area, and understanding just how vibrant the area actually is. As always, the future is uncertain, but is now more promising for me personally than ever.

Jon Thompson

December 16. 2009 18:47

We're a home building company.  To say we've been hit by the last two years is an understatement.  But I wouldn't trade the last two years for anything. The slow down has given KDC a chance to reorganize, rethink, rebrand our company.  We had the blessing to look around at the competition that was left standing and say "what's missing?  How can we become the best home builder in Iowa."  We decided that we need to be green, client centric and the expert.  We need to be on the leading edge of technology and cater to the type of client we love.  We're not just building homes, we're building the backdrops to families' memories and home life.  And because of that we are eternally grateful that we get to do what we love.  

Hannah Inman

December 16. 2009 19:38

Bad economy?
It has been a very scary and exciting year for our small business EuroWerkz, LC.
First of all we are in the auto business with a major focus being on sales of previously owned cars and service. By January 1st 2009 the winter had already taken it's toll and we were virtually stopped. Nothing selling, no service being performed. It seemed everyone was hunkered down even our best customers. We are a small business for sure but in the 6 short years we have been doing this I had seen nothing like this before and it lasted well into the spring. Our main focus is European imports and we once thought that insulated us from the ups and downs of the domestic auto market. But last year taught us that we are certainly part of the big picture. The cash for clunker program and the general automotive economy almost shut us down in a matter of months.
After hours of talking among the partners as well as with other business professionals that we respected, not to mention family, the conclusion was to try and refocus our marketing and product selection upscale in what seemed to be a stronger segment. Long story short it worked perfectly and although our volume is still down for 2009 we will end up have the best year ever. It seems like thinking big picture but with focused marketing and inventory just may be the key to our success. And it may just work for others and so we are happy to share our 2009 story.

Be well all,
Doug Wittkowski
EuroWerkz

Doug Wittkowski

December 16. 2009 23:44

In the past couple of years the foreclosure rate has hit all time highs due mostly in part to the recession. In my 9 years in the real estate business I have seen some of my clients face foreclosure. I have strived to educate them on what options are available to avoid this. Sometimes people think that they have no other option but foreclosure. I have personally been involved in getting mortgage rates negoitiated down for clients even having the past due amount added to the end of the loan. One of the worst things that can happen to a family is to lose their home.

What some people don't realize is that once you are foreclosed on, it can be 5-7 years before you can get traditional financing again. By talking to the bank for clients and negotiating less of a payoff on the mortgage, we have been able to sell their homes under short sale status. By doing this, a person may be able to get back into a house in as little as 2 years.

Even during economic draught we have to adapt how we do business even if it is not necessarily the fun aspect of our profession. I have strived to become not only a real estate expert but also a service provider to my clients.

My business model has changed quite a bit. Not even 5 years ago it wasn't uncommon for people to be bidding against each other on homes and sometimes paying more than asking price. I have positioned myself to become a bank short sale expert and this has lead to twice the number of listings and sales that I averaged before the market decline. Many of these people were about to face foreclosure, but we were able to get their house sold and get them back on track to being a homeowner.

Brett Fine
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

Brett Fine

December 17. 2009 04:54

I'm not a consultant, entrepreneur, or a business-savvy novice.  It's easy to "think positive" when things, from the outside, looks rosy.  From the inside, it's not.  As someone who, until currently, was employed, you try to take as much as you can from everything around you and make it as positive as possible.  

I do feel at times, after reading everyone's ideas and tactics on how they stay positive, that I'm missing something or there's something that "I didn't get".  So, how do I stay positive as people and conditions change around me?  

I have to find what "works" for me.  As someone who knows that writing is something I'm good at, I have to find a career that will enable me to use my writing skills to the fullest extreme and challenge me.  I didn't feel I was being challenged at all in the industry I was in since graduating from college.  I want to feel confident that I will land on my feet, but I have to be realistic.  

There are many out here, employed or unemployed, who are unhappy and wanting for a positive change.  For those who are happy and content, we need to listen and give those who want to "break out" a lending ear and support, not just tell them how "I succeeded and created my business, my dream, whatever."  It's well-meaning, but "the unhappy" have heard it so many times, they have become numb to it.  They have their stories to tell and looking for directions to get there.  

I believe in helping others.  I acquired that from the past several years of volunteering in the community.  I may know about business, social media, or graphic design, but I want to learn something new and challenging.  I can't afford to learn repetitious tasks, and accepting something just to put a roof over my head, gas in the car, and insulin to stay alive.  

Romelle Slaughter

December 17. 2009 18:35

 Grace Here!  We conclude our drawing with the previous post, and will be notifying the winners soon! Please watch your mailboxes!  We greatly appreciate everyone's participation in this forum for all things positive.  We acknowledge circumstances have not been the best for every small business.  Whether your particular circumstances have been glowing or otherwise for 2009, we applaud any and all efforts to find the good where it has required extra energy to do so. This is the true American spirit.  

Please continue to add to this blog post if you have a story to share.  We'd love to keep 'thinc! positive' going-- as a testament to the resilience of the true entrepreneur.  Our own story?  Here at Etc Graphics, our business is marketing and advertising.  But guess what we improved in 2009?  Our OWN marketing.  Funny how that works.

At any given time, a dichotomy exists in our lives. Amongst the good stuff there is always something bad. Amongst the bad there is always something good. We choose our focus, and this choice will greatly impact the future.  

For 2010?  We wish you sunny side up!  We are never so poor as when we cannot see the good things that we already possess, the good things that we have been given, and recognize the people that have helped us 'get there' in life. What better way to start the Holiday Season? We use this opportunity to express our gratitude for all of our customers and acquaintances through the years.  Your success is ours!  May 2010 be your best year yet!

Grace Guerilla

August 17. 2010 11:25

yeah 2k10 baby

Vls