Happy New Year one and all - 2008 was one of the fastest years on record for me. I don't know why but it just seemed to fly by. I always seemed to be behind last year - running out of time before my plans could be become the reality I wanted them to be. Does that make sense to anyone but me? At any rate 2008 is no more and I can focus, like you, on the new year before us.

Here in St. Louis, we have been hit hard by the economic slump with many of our top employers closing plants (GM) or being sold (AB - the brewery) and facing layoffs. And no one seems to be immune to losing their job or their business.

But there is a bright and shiny side to all of this. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and in good ole' Yankee ingenuity. American's need their incomes. Working Americans not only take care of their own families but the world relies on our productivity as well. Have you felt the heat of an uncertain future breathing down your neck, in your own life? What did you do or are you doing right now? Hide? I doubt it. Give up and stay under the covers? I doubt it! You probably started looking for ways to improve you situation - to, bottom line, make more money and develop new pathways for creating you own money machine.

Industries that I think are pretty recession-proof are:

1 - the Leisure & entertainment field (Flea markets and Special events fit in this category) - people always need an escape from day to day stressors. The more stressors, the more then need to escape them temporarily and leisure time activities fill that need. Many avenues are open here, from promoting your own market or event to providing a service or talent act, etc., to the promoters of events, to of course, exhibiting at the retail end of the leisure business.

2 - This one might surprise you... The Food industry - During recessionary times people will find money for food (You gotta have it!) before almost anything else. (Keeping a roof over your head ties it). So if you have an interest in food, consider your options in this industry. The food concession business is very competitive at flea markets and events but that is because it is "lucrative!" People will still spend money on food and drink when they attend events, (especially well priced items) when they may shy away from other things like impulse items and souvenirs! Stay away from traditional restaurants - overhead is too high and failure rate is even higher. Look for "new" ways to provide your product(s) - Catering, Personal Chef, Mail order, Internet sales. Think about joining forces with other like minded "foodies" in your area to create a joint venture! Did you know that Martha Stewart started her career selling cakes door to door as a young girl?

3 - The Service Industry - This is a broad business sector that may feel the pinch in the short term in some areas that cater heavily to the middle class, but is still one of the most recession-proof in my opinion. Maybe buying a completely furnished van and turn-key mobile pet grooming business is out of your reach right now but with some "Tweaking" could you find (create) an alternative if pets are your passion. How could you tie the idea of mobile pet grooming to a flea market business for instance? One of the secrets to success in anything you do is to find something you are passionate about. If you have a passion or talent for something you are going to be enthusiastic about it, and that enthusiasm will fuel your efforts. Passion + effort = money - bottom line!

I have to fly - Jim is warming up the car and said to "hurry" as he passed by my computer - I think that was about 10 minutes ago - oops! He'll be back here any minute looking for me. I am lucky he is so patient - or maybe it is forgetfulness on his part. He always says "...out of sight out of mind". Anyway have a great January and all the best in 2009!

Until next time, happy selling and if you travel on the highways and byways, arrive home safely.

Georgia Goodridge

NCE Editor