Well, I've been trying to talk a client (car dealer) out of business for three years - he's basically been surviving on past profits (he did very well before that). But last year he actually made a reasonable amount - quite a turnaround - still less than ideal - but it's been continued on. He's doing some things differently - and making headway. This suggests the old saying is sort of true - if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got.

And since I reckon 90 - 95% of businesses don't make a real profit (work time and effort, interest on funds, management / directors' fees and a profit), then when we hit down times like this, those already struggling to survive find it that much harder.

Phil Astley
www.businessacademy.co.nz

Yes in some parts of the country, the economy has tanked. Take Northland for example. No amount of government spin is going to change things, and for those unemployed and looking for work, hearing that the economy is coming out of the recession is just salt in the wound. Think of the many small businesses up here who are struggling to keep their employees in work. Think of the newly unemployed trying to make ends meet. It is not easy.

On the positive side, businesses are all having to work harder and smarter, and that isn't a bad thing. But let's not kid ourselves, this recession is far from over.

Just posting here to say Peter emailed a comment:
"Tell Paul to get off his chair and do something usefull instead of
manufacturing fairy tales to keep his name in the news." Thanks, Peter.

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