Did I get more business? Did I get more traffic? Well, yes but not NEAR worth what I spent to get it! I ended up losing a lot of money that year -- something I could have avoided if I would just accept it and leave it be.

It definitely taught me a lesson. For last few years, I've just accepted it and I cease flow of any marketing dollars or time spent on launching new products or services. What do I do with my time? I work on improving any existing products and services and I clean up. I've found that it's best time to get things ready for surge and best time to take a little time off and enjoy what my success has afforded me. I do what all my potential but non-buying customers are doing... I spend time with my family and spend my money on Christmas gifts and donations.

If you can't deal with that or you absolutely have to keep making that surge money to make ends meet, find a niche product or service that will do well around this time of year -- like a cookbook, gift site, or similiar service.

I have some big gurus as subscribers and if you're one of those that never has a slow season then I'll be honest, I'm jealous! But for majority of us, it's inevitable and something we will probably never overcome.

So swallow jagged pill and don't try to beat it. Remember that it is NOT end of world or your business -- just "The Eye of Storm". ENJOY it and use it as a time for rest, relaxation, and getting your mind, body, and business ready for upcoming chaos.

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

This person has just given you a resource that can:

(a) solve your problem with huge downloads (b) be a new product to sell (CDs instead of downloadable files) (c) offer you a solution that can benefit you and your customers

All for free!

How about complaints that say, “You know, you really ought to…” Well? Maybe you really ought to. Have you thought about customer’s suggestion? Yes, it was probably hidden beneath a pile of profane words and threats… but look deeper. In all honesty, is this unruly customer doing you a favor?

It happens more often than you might think. People, in general, have a bad habit of trying to show those they are upset with how big and bad they are. More times than not, you’ll get great ideas buried inside a wrapper of rudeness.

The next time you get a complaint, unwrap package, and you just might find that complaint is a blessing in disguise. If you remove ugliness from message, you could very well have some terrific ideas for improving or expanding your business!

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com