Tough times are here; this is new territory for many and a massive challenge for all. The changes in our economy have been rapid and unseen before to such an extent. 

Let’s not accept that it’s all doom & gloom – Change can be for the Good!

There are new ways of doing business we must learn to keep ourselves buoyant, progressive and lucrative and a continually evolving business culture that we must keep abreast of. 

Don’t be afraid to change traditional procedures within your business if you feel they may need to be updated, or even if you don’t; question if these procedures are right for you in this economic environment. Your marketing activity may have to be analysed in more detail to find out exactly what is working positively and bringing in sales.  Technology is now a huge part of our lives, including using it as a source of information to find out about products and/or services so perhaps creating or updating a website may be vital for your business to get ahead.

It may be worth considering employing the help of an expert/ trainer/ teacher or coach to examine areas of your enterprise and see how perhaps with a few specific and minor changes, significant advances can be made to assist the success of your business.

If you feel your business is negatively affected by our slowing economy, if you are getting depressed each time you watch the National News or view  PrimeTime, if you are wondering how your business will survive this momentous challenge, PLEASE give your entrepreneurial and enterprising side of your personality a chance and investigate ways for you to learn how to run a successful business in troubled times.

There are many courses on offer, through the Chamber and other training organizations, there are many consultants only waiting to have this opportunity and there are many business coaches giddy trying to avail of the chance to assist businesses.

Having developed a schedule of events for Spring 2009, we are sure that the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber is very much reacting to our present environment, and know what we offer can help you and your team run an effective and profitable business.

We are also continuing our appeal to all in Dungarvan & West Waterford to keep business local. Whatever the product or service you require, Dungarvan and the West of the County can provide it! By keeping your business local you are creating a cash flow for a business that can then pay their staff, overheads and suppliers.  A staff member can then pay their bills, childcare, car loans, mortgage, insurance, purchase groceries and home wares and may be even have a social life.  The bank teller where the car loan was taken also gets paid and will also pay bills, childcare, mortgage, insurance, purchase groceries, gym membership and buy a new pair of jeans. The clothes shop assistant where the jeans were bought will also get paid and will too pay their car loan, rent, purchase groceries, go to the cinema and go out for dinner and so on.

So with each litre of milk you purchase, each pair of shows you buy, each time you go out for dinner  in Dungarvan & West Waterford, you are helping to keep business local, for which we thank you and encourage you to continue this initiative.  No purchase can be underestimated. Borrowing the Tesco statement for a moment “every little helps”, please consider this if you are tempted to spend money outside Dungarvan & West Waterford.

By keeping your business local, you are helping to protect local jobs, maintain employment, services, consumer choice and industry. A community effort is essential we must continue to work together so success will prevail.

Ní Neart Go Cur Le Chéile!