Citrusolutions - Powerful Message

Here is a really powerful letter written by Paul Romanick, CEO of Citrusolutions based in Atlanta. Paul has a truly clear picture of what we are dealing with and some great advice to all of us. Take a moment and read through his thoughts that were written to inspire his network of partners in Citrusolutions.

Hello everyone,

Unemployment is at a 16 year high. Watching the news you would think it was 70 years. We are in a recession created in most part by two industries. Builder-developers who overbuilt homes, and financers who gave loans to people who couldn't afford to pay for them. Bad business models suffering the consequence of their behaviors. Unfortunately, they are affecting the overall economy. The auto industry is in trouble,yes? No! The big three are in trouble. Yes, the other car companies are selling less cars. That's a recession. The big three, though, are in big trouble. Uncontrolled costs, and an unpopular product. You don't have that problem.

You are in a recession, but you have a popular product, honest prices, and great customer service. That's called added value.The good news is you can promote that at relatively low costs compared to your competitors. You can network, you can do events, you can develop relationships. You should continue to do what you have done that has been working for you. You should do more of what's been working for you. You should look for more ways to integrate with the community.

I have rewritten and updated the Marketing Manual in response to this economic climate. It has new content focused on working with your existing client base. There is a new chapter on networking. I encourage you to read this updated manual with a fresh eye. I f you have ever thought of implementing the referral certificate program, now would be a good time. If you have not been marketing as hard as you did when you were new to the business,now would be a good time to renew your energy. Ths economic climate could provide you the incentive to not only survive this economy , but to thrive in it. I know someting of what I speak.

Unemployment is at a sixteen year high! That is where it was in the 1991-1992 era when I built my own carpet cleaning company in Atlanta. In 1992 I grossed $225.000 with our price point at 5 rooms for 88.95. That's $17.00 a room or so. At todays prices that would be a half million. I guess I just didn't participate in the recession. You can decide not to part of this recession. You can decide to be part of the recovery. It won't happen on Pennsylvania Avenue. It will happen on Main Street. Don't wait for a bailout. Lift yourself up! America succeeds in spite of our government, not because of it. Succeed. Do it yourself. Make it happen!

Networking: The act of meeting new people in a business context. Network! With a group, an individual, or with your existing clientele. With anyone and everyone. All business is two people talking. Almost every Citrusolution owner came to us from one form of networking or another. It works. Our most successful locations, simply, have implemented more of the marketing components. Most of the marketing concepts involve "the act of meeting new people in a business context". Make it happen!


I don't expect you to spend as much time reading this as I spent writing and rewriting it, but our goals are the same. Your success!

Happy New Year!

Paul