MARKETING IN HARD TIMES by Bunny Eisele http://www.ColoCarePackages.com We all know that times are tough right now for many American businesses, large or small.  Layoffs have hit thousands of American families with no real sign of slowing down, and most of these businesses are looking for new and creative ways to get nervous customers to buy. However, offering bonuses, incentives, and fantastic sales aren't the only ways to drum up business in hard times.  Just for a minute, consider what is causing the slowdown and what people are doing to cope.  Most likely, somewhere in that tangled web of problems and solutions lies a great business opportunity for you. I'm not urging you to take advantage of people's heartache and America's current strife, but I am telling you to find a way for your business to help out or just make people feel better.  If you can come up with a new product that inspires patriotism or unity, do it.  If you can start offering a service that somehow helps people to cope with their new situation, now is the time. Maybe you're running a business that specializes yard care and landscaping.  Why not offer a free American flag with a service order, or offer to hang flags for those who can't do it themselves?  Remind people that going on with their lives and taking pride in their country involves beautifying and showing pride in their own neighborhoods. Perhaps you could design a special combination of red, white, and blue flowers or bulbs that will come up in the Spring, even planted in the shape of a flag. If you're an Internet retail shop, why not offer a charity donation link on your site, or give a portion of your profits to your favorite cause? Perhaps you could feature a product or bundle of items that there might be a special interest in right now.  One jewelry outlet has begun selling gold and silver bullet key chains with "Bin Laden" inscribed on them.  This may be a novelty item, but given current events, they're selling like hot cakes. Almost any product can be given a spin that makes it more desirable in times like these. It's not only good for your business, but it also helps to boost our ailing economy, and that's good for everyone. Author Bunny Eisele is founder and President of Colorado Care Packages.  This company specializes in gift baskets and care packages for any occasion, but is now offering a special military care package for those serving our country.  The first 100 people to order will also receive a free embroidered "United We Stand" cap or T-shirt.  See http://www.ColoCarePackages.com.