The Time is Now.

Seems like everyone is on Twitter these days. I’m on the bandwagon myself (@MmmLekker) and am slowly learning my way. There’s a lot to digest…links to information on just about every topic you could imagine from people who are playing the social media “game” of connecting with others. But much of the information is good. Sometimes it’s great like this week when I was inspired – fired up, if you will – by 2 tweets in particular. In fact, they so closely aligned with my take on things that I had to blog about them. So here you go…

Just yesterday I received the notification in my email inbox that @MajorPlayers was now following me on Twitter. As usual I clicked on the link to check them out and pleasantly find a tweet linking to Ben Stephens’ Top 10 Tips for Surviving the Recession. Now, this was written for people in the creative industry, like moi, your professional copywriter. But the concepts still apply to pretty much any industry or business.

One of my favorites is Stephens’ very first tip:  Don't think it will eventually go away and all will return to normal. Many of the rules by which we worked, planned and thrived are being broken. Work out what this means for your business. Adapt. Fast. 

Similar and just as crucial is Stephens’ tip #6: Build further flex into your business plan; you are going to need it. Clients' plans will continue to change throughout this year, for better, for worse. Be ready for the chat, be able to react.

Then there are his tips #7 Adversity Builds Friendships and #9 Motivate, Love and Adore. And that leads me to inspiration a la @garyvee.

I have to admit, I’m a relatively longtime follower of Gary Vaynerchuk. My husband (@sarno) introduced me to Gary’s daily wine podcast a couple of years ago and it didn’t take long for me to become an official Vaynerchick. Since then we’ve dined with him at Bern’s in Tampa and cruised with him on the Thunder Cruise this past April. That says nothing of the guys’ ongoing rivalry about the Dolphins and the Jets, but I digress…

Anyway, it turns out Gary knows about a lot more than wine. He’s on the forefront of everything web 2.0, social media and personal branding. But while I have long been inspired by, appreciated and generally passed along his words of wisdom, it wasn’t until one of his video blogs this week that I felt I actually had something to add.

His take in Why is everyone waiting for IT to happen? questions businesses and people who want to wait to see how social media will pan out before diving in... therefore missing the trend possibly at its best. He – as usual - makes some fantastic points. But I’d like to look at this from a bigger perspective, specifically as it relates to businesses and the recession…and moving forward.

Okay, okay, the economy stinks. But that’s nothing new. We’ve been in this recession for quite a while now. We’ve all gone through the shock, the worry. But now what? From a business marketing perspective, are you still feeling like a deer in headlights? Not knowing what to do, so you’re just doing nothing? If so, then take a hint from @MajorPlayers and @garyvee. Start doing something. Now. And here are some of my own tips:

1. Untrain your brain from traditional marketing and try something new. As Ben Stephens said, the marketing and promotion “game” is different now.  And like Gary says, don’t worry if you’re not perfect at it. Learn as you go. Seek wisdom and guidance from others who have the knowledge you’re looking for.

2. Don’t keep leaning on the reduced budget excuse. There are lots of new options out there that are highly effective and easy on the budget. If you must, try some of these options to complement that traditional marketing you’re used to.

3. Quit selling. Build relationships. That’s part of the new “game.” We’ve all been bombarded with selling and technical specs and sterile promotion for years. Now it’s time to genuinely connect.

Bottom line, wisely use this time before the economy picks back up. Don’t wait until that time comes (and it will come) or you’ll be playing catch up and missing lots of opportunities. Simply: adjust, plan and prepare now, and you’ll be ready to Crush It later.