This newsletter is short and sweet because if your schedule is anything like mine these days, there's little time for email newsletters! Be sure to read it through, though, because this month's marketing tip is a good one - and there's important news about Roughstock's changing phone number.

Now on to the Roundup...

Studio News: New Phone Number

It's time to break out the address book because Roughstock has a new phone number:

(415) 643-0121

Also, Roughstock's website and email service will be OFFLINE during the following hours.

Feb. 8, 10:00pm PST - Feb. 9, 6:00am PST

This means the site will be inaccessible, and all email will be delayed during this time. If you're really curious, it's because our hosting company is moving our precious files to a new data center.

Recession-Proof Marketing

With all this talk of an economic downturn and the House's recent approval of a questionable Economic Stimulus Package, now seems as good a time as any to offer a few suggestions for marketing in a downturn.

• Resist the urge to stop marketing altogether. Many businesses immediately suspend their marketing budgets, but this just reduces your chances of bringing in all-important revenues.
• Make well-reasoned cost cuts. Instead of sending out a massive direct mail campaign, why not shrink your mailing list to include only the most qualified leads? This will increase your success while decreasing your expense.
• Move online for savings. Email campaigns, and online networking are effective and inexpensive ways to market when budgets are tight.
• Leave your competitors in the dust. Take advantage of others' quickness to cut their marketing budgets and run a pointed campaign or two to keep your company front of mind.
• Look to alternative markets. Chances are, you'vebeen overlooking a market segment that might prove valuable to your business. Now's the time to reach out to these new markets to bolster your bottom line.

What do you think? Do you have any other tips or suggestions for overcoming that self-destructive inclination to stop marketing when times seem tight? Add your comments and read additional tips on Blog!.

Have you been trying to solve a marketing dilemma, or do you have a branding question you'd like answered? Just email me and ask away! Questions will be answered in future issues of the Roundup, and can be anonymous if you prefer.

Take care! And as always, get in touch with any questions or comments.

Best,
Jess Sand
Principal