We lead off this month with our Red Carpet Introduction and| Advertise during Tough Times for Lasting Benefits |
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by Rachael Biermann (Editor's Intro: MH Associations and firms listen to this team, so should you!) "A man who stops advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time." --Henry Ford
It's been proven that advertising during tough economic times can actually be more beneficial for your company. A McGraw-Hill research study observed 600 companies from 1980 to 1985 and found that companies who continued to advertise during the recession reported much higher sales once the economy recovered. In the study, those who advertised despite tough economic times reported sales to be 256 percent higher than those who cut back on advertising. The spike in long-term sales can be easily explained when you consider the fact that other companies, including your competitors, that drop their advertising efforts make your message even more prominent to customers. Consumers will be watching their wallets even more, too. Express the affordability and value of manufactured homes to potential customers through your advertisements. Pay attention to what budget-conscious consumers are really looking for, and sell it to them. Consumers are still spending … they're just being smarter with their money and looking for the lasting benefits of their purchases. Like a consumer, examine what's working and what isn't with greater scrutiny. The key for the manufactured housing industry isn't to eliminate advertising, but advertise smarter. Here are a few "smart advertising" questions to ask yourself:
Advertising wisely now can pay off!##
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When companies go through tough times, the first instinct is often to cut costs. Advertising is usually one of the first areas to be cut. While every other company is reducing or withdrawing their advertising, continue yours and see the long term benefits that arise as a result. 
Rachael Biermann is a project coordinator with All Seasons Communications. All Seasons Communications is the advertising agency of the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, Minnesota Manufactured Housing Association, and also has numerous clients within the manufactured housing industry. The small, full-service agency doesn't require long-term commitments, and gives free quotes to any business. Services include advertising, public relations, Web site development, photography, branding and logos, publishing, radio and TV production, and more. For more information, visit 
