Cut back or add value?

Today I was leading a meeting where we were planning an event for fall of 2009. There was a lot of discussion about who would come and what they would spend. Everyone agreed that we felt that success would be limited. Next the conversation rolled to how can we cut costs.

And then it hit me.....

Yes, times are tough. My sweetie summed up the state of the union with this statement "it is time to take the women and children off the streets." Sure thing, I would love to hide out and wait for brighter economic times but I don't have that opportunity. This women has to stay on the street and here a look at my survival strategy. First off, spending has not halted all together. People are still eating out, going to movies, renting apartments and buying clothes. They may not be doing as much of it but there is still some commerce to report.

If people are spending money but not as much as last year, we have to get our unfair share of the spending. How do you get that, add value and don't cut back. People are making value choices. It is our job to sweeten our offers and build value. When people see value they will buy from the best offer.

Remember this in your marketing too. Every piece of copy should sell value. If you don't know where the value lies in your product, just ask your customers.