Do you think your customers are stupid? They know there is a recession. They are living in it every day. They know their corporate lives are getting tighter, their home budgets are getting tighter and everything else in the world is a little more economically unstable right now. So, acting like there is no recession is nothing more than you showing your customers you don't know what is happening in the world. Instead, you need to be honest with your recession knowledge and even use it as a part of your sales advantage.

Confront the Recession

Bill Bartmann tip #1 for recession advertising is to really understand the recession and how it is impacting your industry. Every industry is impacted differently in this type of economic climate. You really need to understand what it is doing to your field.

You also need to understand what the recession is doing to your customers. Look at how it is changing their lives and their thoughts. They are likely stressed out and worrying about every dollar they spend. This doesn't mean they are not willing to spend those dollars; they just want to make sure they are making wise decisions. The more you understand them, the easier it will be to convince them spending their money with you is a wise way to go.

What Can You Offer

Bill Bartmann tip #2 Next you need to look at what you can offer to your customers in this economic climate. For the most part the trends are this ? luxuries are down, necessities and 'home comforts' are up. Many people are trying to spend the money they do have on the things they need and things that make them feel safe and comfortable.

You now need to see how you can fit into this picture. There are a few ways to go with this:

Be a Necessity - If you sell something that should be a necessity for your customers make sure they know that. For example, If you have a number of 'food saver' items that make your food last longer in the fridge, you may want to push those now as a way to help people save money on their grocery bill by making those groceries last longer.

Make Luxuries Necessities - The other option is to take those luxuries they don't think they need and explain that they do. For example, if you do manicures and you are seeing a drop in business, you may want to change your advertising to point out the relaxation benefits of manicures. Also, make sure you let your customers know that stress, which is up right now, can lead to illness and that it is vital for their health that they do something to lessen their stress load.

There are a number of ways to make it well through the current depression. They key is in understanding how people perceive the recession and making sure you give them a way to see your company as a vital partner in getting through it.

Bill Bartmann is the creator of the Billionaire Business Systems, an online business essentials course for entrepreneurs. Bill Bartmann's series of videos, books and seminars has helped many entrepreneurs succeed in business even during tough economic times. Learn more at http://www.billionaireu.com/