Home Businesses in a Declining Economy

What is going on in the economy today? Most of us are familiar with these stats:

• Oil prices are up 30% - not good, especially for those of us living in the Northeast.
• Food prices are up 8% in the last 3 months.
• In July, the FDIC seized control of Indy-Mac Bank - the second largest bank failure in US history.
• Construction of single family homes is down.
• Jobless claims are up.

Clearly, the economy is having trouble, and that is affecting a lot of people. Most people that you talk to today are struggling in one way or another -whether it is because of gas prices, not being able to make mortgage payments, or job insecurity.

In light of all of these issues, many home based businesses are suffering. In 2007, the DSA reported that the overall industry had a decline in total sales. The president and CEO of our company, in a meeting with other presidents that are part of the DSA, found that he encountered no other companies who had grown in 2007. However, our business did grow in 2007! And in 2008, our sales are up above last year's sales. We have had 17% more advancements this year than we had last year at this time. Plus, our customers are ordering more on average than last year.

So, why, in light of the declining economy, with most other home businesses struggling as well, is our company continuing to grow? We have grown steadily over the past several years, and our 20+ year history of growth is astounding in the home business industry. Our continued growth can be connected to the value of our products. Companies that are promoting products that the average person can't afford are not doing well because people are cutting their budgets. However, because our products are affordable and are the kinds of products people use on a regular basis, we continue to grow and expand in spite of the declining economy. I am thankful to finally be a part of a company that offers people the chance to get ahead in these hard times, as well as get safer, healthier products for their homes.