2010  is the year to try harder

A recent survey has predicted 2010 to be tough for Western Sydney business, citing a slump in confidence and tough trading conditions as the reason.

Let's think about that. A "slump in confidence", means what? Many businesses have reported slow sales in 2009. Crucially, this is common with businesses who sell to other businesses.

So, businesses are lacking confidence and therefore not ordering goods and services off other businesses, they are in fact, reducing the resources their businesses operate with, some even shedding staff.

Is it just me or does this sound like self-fulfilled prophesies of doom? I believe that while sales are down, new opportunities are presenting, particularly for many sectors in the SME space, and the SMEs which supply them.

Therefore the Chamber encourages all businesses in the area to look hard and smart for new opportunities. As the old cliché goes, when the going gets tough the tough get going.

Only by finding the new opportunities and taking well-calculated risks will businesses begin the necessary process of regaining confidence in the economy of western Sydney.

Can you increase sales volumes to existing clients by adding more value or by building better relationships? Can you re-develop, re-market, refine, or re-focus your products and company to cast a wider net? Can you operate smarter, reducing unnecessary costs and investing the savings in new marketing? Can you invest in new technology, making your business more efficient and increasing profits over the long-term?

Yes, 2010 will be tough, we really yet don't know how tough. 2010 will be a challenge, but are we not up to it? 2010 will delete the weak, but are we not strong? 2010 simply means that we need to think smarter, do things better and above all, let's keep our confidence and ride through this storm.

United we stand. Divided we fall.