Whenever I do journalist interviews these days they all want to know about top tips and strategies to weather the storm of the economic downturn.  It is a valuable exercise in many ways because it prompts me to look at different angles.  The thing that I like about the recession is that I am relatively recession proof.  In the same way that London businesses are less likely to be impacted by the recession as companies in other areas of Britain, my business is similar.  The reason is primarily that many of my clients are overseas clients so I am not solely reliant upon the volatility of the UK economy.  What can you do to expand  or diversify your client base so that you are dealing with overseas clients. 

If you have not already started to incubate your thoughts about how you can capitalise on the recession, the time is ripe.  As companies downsize and lay off their human capital, what can you do to meet the needs of a changing market?  What services can you offer?  What will people be looking for?  What do you have that might be useful to them?

Mass consumerism has become a way of life here in the UK.  If you doubt me, take a trip into your nearest shopping centre on any weekend, especially if it is raining, and observe the national pastime of the British public.  Yes, they are out shopping.  Collecting stuff.  Not that they need or really want it, it is just something to do.  There is now an exciting opportunity to break those habits.  After-all, if you have had to clear out the possessions of anybody who has died, you will know how long it takes to get rid of stuff.  We go through life collecting, for what purpose?  To fill an un-fillable hole. 

We can learn from those who endured hardship during economic downturn in the past.  I would like to acknowledge one of my clients and friend Cali, who inspired me by reading the biography of an art dealer in New York during the 1930's.  His book provided valuable insights about buying trends and habits during the depression.  What can you glean from the past?  We used to do things differently - remember?  We used to buy and cook natural ingredients to make meals.  We grew vegetables or bought things from farms.  We don't have to buy ready meals and pre-prepared food.

We have great on-line portals such as eBay whereby we can sell things that we no longer need and we can buy second hand goods.  As the festive season approaches, think about recycling unwanted things as gifts or trading them on-line.  Wardrobes can be recycled or you might want to wear some of the things that have never seen the light of day.  You can buy great clothing for a fraction of the price if doesn't have a designer label on it.  Learning to adapt is a useful thing.  Remember that in the midst of apparent adversity, there is always a gift.  Avoid being fearful, it achieves nothing.  Be inspired, that is when the magic happens!