“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”

Ah, the infamous words of Chicken Little. Ever tell that story to your kids?

Funny thing is, these days you don’t have to. Because the truth is, what we’re experiencing with the economy is one big Chicken Little story. All you need to do is turn on the news and listen to the commentary from the talking heads on screen and you’ll see what I mean.

I've got to admit - this both amuses me and irks me no end.

One day, the economy is up and everyone rejoices. The next day, somebody moans about gloom and doom, and everyone panics. Next thing you know, we’re in a crisis situation. Billions of dollars are being doled out to big business, layoffs go through the roof, and everybody sits on their hands, waiting to see what happens next.

HUH?

Come on! Are we really putting our faith in the media to tell us how to think and act? These are the same people who follow up a tragic story about a mass shooting with a video of a squirrel on water skis - and never blink an eye.

Yip - solid, trustworthy news reporting there. Pulitzer Prize material if I’ve ever seen it.

Let’s face it. The days of actual news reporting have gone the way of the dodo. And every time one of these capped teeth morons start spewing their mindless drivel, Edward R. Murrow turns over in his grave.

What we’re hearing these days is not the news. It’s carefully selected tidbits of information designed to elicit a predetermined response. They tell us EXACTLY what they want to tell us. And right now, we’re being fed a large helping of the sky falling all around us in huge chunks.

Now, don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying times aren’t tough. We’re all feeling the pinch...

But what I AM saying is this…

If you allow yourself to be led around by the nose by a bunch of hair-sprayed idiots who call themselves news people, you’ll never grow your business to a high level of success.

Why? Because you’re giving Chicken Little control over your mindset - instead of seizing the reins and making your own path.

There are many MANY ways to prosper greatly in a recessionary climate. In fact, multiple millions of rands have been made during a “down economy” by savvy businesspeople who didn’t go screaming into the night every time somebody yelled about the sky falling. And during this economic hiccup, more millions will be made again.

But the key is to make some small changes in your business growth strategy now to alleviate the fears and keep your  focus on the matter at hand. And here are three tips to help you get started:

1. Buy some earplugs.

The main reason for panic in the marketplace is because somebody told us that we should be panicking. And that’s WRONG.

Stay away from the naysayers. Ignore newspapers and TV news channels. Put your head down, plug your ears, and say “LALALALALA - I’M NOT LISTENING TO YOUUUU.”

Stay focused on YOUR business and YOUR profits - not what’s going on with the Big Three car companies. And to quote an old Public Enemy tune, “Don’t believe the hype!”

2. Increase your marketing efforts.

This goes against conventional thinking, but it’s the perfect move to make right now. Why? Because everyone else is shrinking back in fear, hiding in the shadows with their fingers clutched to their dwindling budgets. And that includes your competition.

Which means this is a HUGE opportunity to grab a sizable chunk of your market share by pushing forward with an aggressive marketing plan. And when the storm settles (and it will settle), you’ll be solidly entrenched in a top position… while everyone else is clawing to get back in the game.

3. Get some sage advice.

This last one is the most crucial of all, because many of us haven’t been through a true recession before. And, to put it simply, we don’t know what we don’t know.

We need the guidance and wisdom of somebody with experience. And the best way to get that kind of help is to seek out someone who’s been there, done that… and has made several millions in the process.