with all this depressing talk around us, it's pretty easy to give up, i was wondering what is it that keeps you motivated? is there a particular thing you do/ listen to/think about when you feel like this?
I had to cut down on watching msnbc and cnn- too much depression talk. Especially when business is slow. Listen and read positive, motivational material. Experiment with new ideas, new marketing strategies, make cold calls, do anything to break the monotiny.
My motivation... is a monthly need to pay the mortgage, or I will have
to get rid of all my equipments if we lose the house and we have to rent,
and probably my wife will get rid of me
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As Jerry used to say : Profit is not a dirty word.
My motivation
The three other mouths to feed EVERY DAY!
The thought of having to go out and get a real Job
That big account thats around the corner
The PGE bill that needs to get paid
That vacation just around the corner
My motivation is remembering all the unpleasant individuals I have had to endure, in other people's work environments over the last few years. My two dogs are far better companions for me during the day now.
Seeing levels of trade go down in tougher times is never easy to stomach. You know people want the goods, but they are just mega worried about parting with their cash just in case their jobs suddenly disappear.
Its not down to selling costs, or perceived values either, as even the Chinese are struggling at the moment, with all their myriad of cut price offerings.
If you have a quiet day, go read a book, or sit in the sunshine, watch a movie, or go for a walk somewhere. Quiet times are quiet times and there aint too much you can do about it.
If the game changes, change with it. There are plenty of customers out there looking for shirts. If you're customers are getting wishy washy, find new ones. Don't let them use the times as a way to get you to lower your price.
I simply, stay focused on creating unique pieces of abstract art, design, and when I'm not doing that, I'll go skateboard. We are all individuals, if everyone is stuck on depression, be an individual and stand out from the rest.
Here is some motivation, I have been is this business for 14 + years. Last year we doubled our production (220,000 shirts), this year we are on track to double again. God has blessed my business regardless of me. I don't advertise or have sales people, I don't have a strategy other than being better than my competitors. I need another automatic press but with the economy am a little gun shy to purchase right now. If you build a better mouse trap the world will lead a path to your door.
I tell my kids that if you say you can or you say you can't your always right. You can do it and you can survive just be patient.
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Mike
If you dig ditches be the best ditch digger you can be.
There is no substitute for the power of prayer. 2 years ago we bought some cheap used equipment to make church shirts.No intentions of having a business. We prayed about it and now we have upgraded all of our equipment,and we cannot keep up with all of the business.I can't imagine what our life is going to be like when the economy picks up. God Bless
When things get to much for me, I go out and take a break. For me it going out with my camera to some random place and take pics. When I look through the lens, I forget everything else, and am only aware of what is around me. Its important to destress
Another thing to do is sit back and think about what you do? Do you do printing, vinyl ? What ever you do, think of all the other things you may be able to incorporate into that business, to expand your offerings at a low price. For me I do dtg printing and vinyl. So this week I ordered some stretched artists canvas, and am going to see what I can do with printing on them. They were fairly cheap for me to buy, and not many people print on framed canvas, as they dont fit in most printers.
You have to think outside the box, and expand your ideas (or as Rodney would say, your potential ). Just make sure that you try to utilize things you already have at your disposal, so you dont put yourself in more of a bind. If you really think about it, there are so many more things we are capable of, if we only open ourselves up to it.
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Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~~~Mark Twain BobbieLee
motivation during the recession 
