We are living not in an economic storm…but the Perfect Storm. I realize that there are those of you out there that are shaking their heads at this statement. Because of everything you hear in the media you are afraid to do any expanding in your home based franchise. Because of the global doom and gloom that we hear about on a daily basis we are second guessing every decision and action that we take in our home based franchise. Or maybe you were thinking of starting your own home based franchise and now you are backing off because of the continued clouds that seem to be shadowing many of us.

I understand that it is a tough out there, but this is Not the time to go and hide. This is Not the time to take cover and try to ride the waves out until the high winds and rain stop or at least slow down. This is Not the time to just hope for basic survival. Hope, while a wonderful emotion contains no action to it and Hope will not take you through this storm...at least not to it’s’ completion.

To make sure that your home based franchise not only survives but prospers during these times of turmoil you need to take a good hard look at your business before you start to do anything drastic. There is no room for panic and whatever you do, Do Not give up on your dreams and your goals...Your dreams and goals for 2010 can absolutely be achieved in a big way and here are a few ideas on how.

1. Know Your Customers and Potential Customers: This is not the time to slack off on superior customer service. You need to over deliver on everything that you do. Ask your customers what they really need and want from you and then deliver on it. If you can offer additional free training…do it. If you can offer additional seminars…do it. Give value to your customers and potential customers every time you have the opportunity to and your home based franchise will thrive. There is no recession for superior customer service; there never has and there never will.

By giving service beyond expectations, repeat business will be yours and the word of mouth from your satisfied customers is the best return on any investment that you will ever receive.

Show your customers and potential customers that you are the leader that they are looking for to guide them safely through these unsettled storms. Do not back down from the thrashing waves. You need to be the fearless captain that so many people are looking for today.

2. Invest In Yourself: This is the golden opportunity to take You Inc. and your home based franchise to the next level. Build your knowledge about your industry, about marketing, about your competition and about your products and services. Gain new skills that you might not have currently, and develop your talents to even a deeper level. Go to seminars, read more. There could not be a better time to invest in You.

By investing in yourself you will then improve your reputation with your customers, and you will increase your standing as an expert in your field. Set higher challenges and goals for yourself and your company and take the action steps needed see those goals to their ultimate fruition.

3. Do More Marketing: This is not the time to cut back on your marketing, in fact…do more. Do massive marketing. This does not have to cost you a lot additional capital. Use the Internet and Social Marketing Media to your advantage. This is free and abundant traffic if you take massive action. Blog, join forums, be present and give value on Twitter and Facebook, produce videos for YouTube. Remember, if your competitors are choosing to hide during this storm, take advantage, dive head first into the 10 ft. waves and reap the benefits.

4. Let the good times roll: The Natural Laws of the Universe say that when there is a valley, then the peak is right around the corner. This has been and always will be true. Do not make the mistake that I hear so many home based franchise entrepreneurs do; don’t hide and don’t cut back. Wealth doesn’t ever go away...it’s merely transferred. You must commit to yourself and to your home based franchise to ride this storm with all of the stamina that you have. When you do, you will find that the wealth that is being transferred is to you and to your home based franchise.

Author's Bio: 

Jennifer Gilbert is the CEO of JBS Communications, LLC; a company devoted to empowering entrepreneurs around the world with marketing, sales and mindset tools to live the freedom based lives of their dreams.

While best known for her sales/marketing success and expertise, her team shares that her greatest impact is her straight-forward and unique dedication to mentoring, coaching and leadership.

For more information on Jennifer Gilbert go to:

http://www.JenniferLGilbert.com
http://www.JenGilbert.net