Lots Is Happening In the Economy

Its been a couple of weeks since I last posted...sorry too busy to get at this each day...but that's a good thing I think. There has been a lot happening in the economy...the Bank of Canada lowered the Central Bank interest rate to .25% and announced it would stay there till next year. Now that is a significant event since it guarantees low interest rates for the next while. As credit becomes looser it will mean that more people and businesses will be able to invest and not have the interest costs be a millstone on their operating costs. It also will mean people will seek other ways to get a return on their capital, than just parking their money for very low interest returns. This should lead to more entrepreneurial investment as well.

We have seen a few weeks of relatively stable stock markets...the swings of earlier this year are leveling out and that is also a good thing. Confidence is fed by a feeling of certainty and stable markets will help.

Individuals and companies are continuing to be creative about how they are dealing with the impacts of the economy. For a short listing of how some have responded check out this blog posting at a complimentary blog to this one:

http://communitymarketing.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/04/how-25-professionals-create-success-in-a-recession.html#more This list highlights 25 respondents to the question: How 25 LinkedIn Professionals Are Creating Success In A Recession? There were many more responses, but these 25 are interesting to consider.

How are you responding? What actions are you finding the most critical and effective in attempting to build your business? Share your successes so others can be inspired to grow with you.

Lee K

The Anti-Recession/Refusal to Participate Movement is Catching

We like the response we have seen to the Anti-recession message as others are joining the bandwagon. At a recent Burlington, ON networking event the hosts, a company called Fast Signs decided to give every person at the event a special bumper sticker. If you would like to see the message go to: http://www.burlingtonchamber.com/gallery/BA5Fastsigns/keith_refuse?full=1

and you will see the Chamber President holding his copy.

Way to go Darrell and all of the team at Fast Signs. It helps get the message out that this is survivable and that many people are busy just getting things done.

We know there are many others on the web carrying this message...we look forward to reading their ideas and applying the ones that can work in our piece of the world.


Lee K


PS...thanks Greg for passing on the message about Fast Signs efforts.

More Anti-recession Stories Being Sought

It is gratifying to see that there are other kindred souls out there who are looking to tell the positive side of the response to the downturn. I got an e-mail from Cory at Reuters who tells us they are looking for people to post their video stories of how they are responding.

Here's the whole context of the e-mail...if you have a good story to tell maybe this is a good vehicle to help get the news out.

From: Cory Ramey <corinne.ramey@gmail.com>Date: 2009/3/30Subject: reuters looking for videosTo: Lkirkby3@gmail.com

Dear Mr. Kirkby,I work for Reuters, and thought some of the readers of your Anti-Recession blog might be interested in submitting videos to Reuters' new feature about the recession. Here's the description:Reuters is looking for stories about people who are thriving despite the recession. Have you started a business, changed your career for the better or found pleasure in a different pace of life? Send a short video about your experience to Reuters Your View and we'll publish the best ones. reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/survivingrecessionPeople can email videos to pics@reuters.com or upload videos here:

http://www.reuters.com/news/yourView/upload If you could ask readers to copy me when they send in video submissions that'd be great.Anyway, if this seems like the kind of thing your readers might be interested in and you're able to post a note about it on your blog, that'd be fantastic. Thanks, and feel free to email or call me with any questions.

Best,Cory Ramey

Thanks for the tip Cory...We love to help promote others who are looking for the positive responses which will build the momentum to get us out of this downturn.

Lee K