Alchemy Needle Random Haystack

After almost two full weeks away I returned to host a “small” gathering today of 200 local entrepreneurs.   For a nominal entry fee each person was provided with a kit which included the Leeds Vortex Deluxe Sling and a Leeds Navigator Zippered Padfolio both of which arrived as usual with a perfect embellishment courtesy of my usual suppliers.

 I did also throw in some local chocolates which I ordered from the candy house nearby instead of going with the same people that supplied the padfolios.   Surprisingly this was on their recommendation as chocolate I guess tends not to travel well and generally the stuff you buy locally is better than the stuff that can be brought in for a reasonable price.   I do use my local printer for the banners and other assorted stuff as I have found that the cost of shipping in banners and similar items is so high now it is outrageous.  Staples hooked us up with the various little items we needed.  We had it catered by the local restaurant and overall I think things went great.

Well that is until we got down to discussing the matter at hand which is the economy and how it is effecting businesses.  Universally the answer is not well.   Realtors are dying, many are changing businesses and going back to school.   All forms of contractors are doing the same  with many picking up second jobs.  Some of the lifetime contractors are fine from repeat customers but those that focused on new construction are hurting.  All other associated businesses are struggling including banks which were busy signing note after note during the boom.  An informal survey showed about 40%, almost half planned on laying off people if things did not improve.    Nine out of ten indicated they had no new plans to hire staff.   A year ago it was two out of ten at the same conference!

The biggest complaint is lack of funds.   Clients are broke and cutting back and as a result so are the small businesses being hurt.   Really it is not a great situation and almost everyone felt it is too little too late by the politicians and Federal Reserve.    I think things will rebound faster than people think come this summer but it is still going to be a slow uphill climb.

Oh and of course I do know that I spelled Savy wrong, that was by design.  Kind of like the weird title I picked for this post.