The economy is on everyone's mind. People are getting laid off in record numbers and the the news is dominated by stories of the downturn....heck even Larry Flint is asking for a bailout!
Ok, I know that the Larry Flint thing is just for publicity (and it is brilliant beyond words) but it did get me thinking about if there is such a think as a recession proof business.
Without thinking too hard I have to say the answer is probably yes and the answer is the going to bring a smile to Larry's face cause it is the porn industry.
The adult industry was the first to profit from the Internet this is a fact (that I am pulling out of my head but it seems to be accurate)
I read recently that Adult DVD sales are actually decreasing as more people are spending less on just about everything. Playboy recently announced that it will stop DVD distribution and close its
You can say what you want, and feel however you feel about the porn industry but an indisputable fact is that the porn biz is one of the most pragmatic industries in the world and if there’s a way to make money, these folks will find it...and when they do, history has shown that they have opened doors for technologies to be applied in broader adoption by other businesses. Banner Ads, PPC, the battle between VHS and Beta are classic examples or Myths (depending who you speak to or what articles you read).
As long as the Adult Film industry keeps finding new ways to deliver their content and essentially giving their customer what they want, when they want it I see them being just fine.
Sure they will see a little hit to their bottom (line) but so will all companies...so in an effort to make this blog post more commercially acceptable so it can be read all over the interwebs I am now going to give you a few little pointers on how to make your company a little safer in this downturn economy...and you will notice that none of the tips are "Take your clothes off and get a web cam"
I admit these tips don't really fit in to all the talk above about VOD because the advice I am about to give you is something McDonalds has been doing for a long time. Yep I telling you ask your customers if they "Would like fries with that order". One of the best things to do in tough times is to try to generate more revenue from the people who are already using you and love you. You just have to be cool about it and not too pushy.
So here ya go:
Become Your Customer’s Customer
This is so simple but you will be amazed at how many people don't think of it. Whenever possible take advantage of the products and services offered by your clients. Chances are you are already buying things (paper, water, desks, anything really) from strangers that you could be getting from friends. Take a second a make a list of all these items and make some people happy with your next orders, because showing support of their business will help build more trust in the relationship and make people love and appreciate you more.
Grace Them With Your Presence
A recession is no time to hide. Be as visible as possible among your customer base. Being face to face is the same or better than being top of mind. If you are able to swing it, go make a visit to some cool customers and say hi...and nothing says hi like donuts!
Open All Lines of Communication
Being in constant contact with your customers will show them that you are thinking of them and actually care for the well-being of their business. Call, email and send birthday cards if you can. Connect to your customers through social networking tools as well. Establishing a strong online presence will benefit your business from all angles.
Organize A Customer Dinner
Sure budgets are tight but if you can, why not treat a select group of your customers to a fun dinner to show your appreciation for their business. Doing so will create a warm feeling for you in the tummy's of your customers as well provide you with a very valuable forum for feedback as well as a platform for networking and generating new business.
Hang on to Customers at All Costs
The price of generating new business can be costly and is not always guaranteed. If a customer is having trouble affording your product or service try working with them to make it affordable. This isn't always possible but will go a long way to help build customer loyalty and will certainly pay off in the long run.
These are just a few tips...What do you think?
Feel free to add more in the comments if you have any others and I hope this was helpful in some way!
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