Ann Arbor News

Sunday, February 03, 2008

BY SHARON MCRILL

A lot of discussion is happening around Ann Arbor about the state of the economy. We all know there is a downturn in southeast Michigan; however, my business is not seeing much of that. In fact, not only is The Betty Brigade prospering and hiring (we’re increasing staff by 40 percent in January), but we’re also working on opening a second office in Oakland County. There are also future plans to franchise The Betty Brigade. I guess you could say I have a plan.

It’s interesting - the business owners I work with regularly also tell me they’re doing great. I spoke to a few of my colleagues about this topic and they gave me their opinions on “the economy.” Debi Scroggins of Bearclaw Coffee told me that she’s also expanding and that she isn’t “taking part in a bad economy.” She believes that in order to keep her business growing, she “just has to work a little harder.” I think that’s a great attitude - in fact, it really mirrors my own work ethic.

Another business colleague, Casey Stark from 1-800 Got Junk, told me that although her business is not in a strong growth mode, they are ready to ramp up whenever they have to, and sales are steady.

I recently spoke to a former client who relocated to Maine because of Pfizer’s closing here in Ann Arbor. I told her that between Google and Aernnova coming to Ann Arbor, the number of employees that left has nearly been offset by new companies starting and growing. She was thrilled to know Ann Arbor continues to prosper in tough conditions. Sometimes it’s those very tough times that make us grow into what we are meant to be.

Some people might call it good karma, or positive energy, The Secret, or faith or whatever name you might attach to it, but I think it comes down to the Law of Attraction. If you haven’t heard about this, here’s a simpler way to put it: Good energy attracts good energy, and vice versa. Think about it: Would you rather be around someone who makes you feel fan-freaking-tastic, or feel like the bottom of a bird cage? Not really a hard choice here.

I’m not living in Pollyanna-Land where everything is perfect, but the more good stuff I put out to the universe, the more good stuff comes back to me.

I’m not sure this will work for everyone, but I guess I’ve had enough of the doom and gloom. I’m ready to work hard and make the best of all of the great things that are coming my way. For those of you who want to keep complaining, that’s fine. Just keep it to yourself when you see me - I’m busy with all my new clients.

About the writer: , an Ann Arbor resident, is founder of The , a full service personal assistance/concierge business based in Ann Arbor and online at www.bettybrigade.com. She is also on the board of directors for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce. Our Economy columns run in the Sunday Business section. Interested in contributing? Contact Mary Morgan, opinion editor, at 734-994-6605 or mmorgan@annarbornews.com.

More “positive attitude” articles from around the web:

A positive attitude
How to Maintain a Positive Attitude
Positive Attitude Quotes
Keep a Positive Attitude You have to Work at It part 2

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