Lies, Damn Lies and Recession Statistics

According to the media, we’re doomed. For sure economically, things are not good. But doomed? As website owners I'm not so sure...

The problem with the way we talk about the recession is that it can become a self–fulfilling prophecy.  The more bad news we hear, the less ‘normal’ our decision–making becomes.  Eventually, companies adopt the 'hedgehog pose' – do nothing, spend nothing and hope that the recession juggernaut doesn't maliciously swerve to flatten them.

It's very dangerous thinking for some and great news for the rest of us.  I’m certainly not advocating that the recession is a good thing but it can be an opportunity for businesses like you who think differently.

In the last month the UK retail sales growth was only 0.4%.  However, ecommerce sales are predicted to increase by 14.4% during 2009.  (Amazon's revenue grew by 31% in 2008 and eBay’s by 28.6!)  Clearly, the Internet is more than holding its own, it’s accelerating past conventional sales outlets.

A major reason why the Internet seems to be bucking the recession trend is to do with price.  As you know, price doesn't really reflect what something is worth, it reflects what somebody is prepared to pay.  In other words price is a function of perceived value.  The perception of the Internet is that it is cheaper than bricks and mortar prices.  Whether that is true in reality or not is irrelevant because it is the perception that counts.

This doesn't just apply to ecommerce websites.  Businesses and consumers search for services as much as they do for products.  And again, their perception of the value of those services is heavily influenced by their overall perceptions of the Internet.

The Internet continues to be one of the richest seams for potential customers most of us have access to and yet so few businesses (and that includes your competitors) are really taking advantage of the opportunities the Internet presents.  The vast majority have adopted the hedgehog pose and are playing a sort of 'business chicken' across the Recession motorway.

So, while your competitors panic and effectively remove themselves from the marketplace they leave a gap which your website can happily occupy.

Here’s my challenge to you… Let’s make 2009 your best year yet.  If you’d like to me help you accomplish that you can get some direct and personal Help and Advice right now or join my Internet Growth Programme and start getting tips and strategies straight to your inbox today!