There are companies buying products and services, even in this recession.  There are companies that will grow.  Many companies will be able to maintain a good business and there are even some new emerging business areas.  Buyers are out there.  They just may be a little harder to find and in industry segments that are not as familiar to you.

Companies that supply necessities will be able to maintain a good business through a recession.  Luxuries and nice-to-have items are not in demand but necessities are still required.

  • Transportation necessities: delivery services & fuel providers
  • Business consumables: paper & ink cartridges for printers & copiers, raw materials for production
  • Consumer necessities: food, water & utilities

Companies that are likely to grow in a recession are ones that help business and consumers protect and extend use of existing assets.  Companies and people look to get a longer useful life from their existing assets.

  • Repair & maintenance: production equipment maintenance & automotive repair
  • Network optimization: IT infrastructure support
  • Safety & security: insurance, premise security & online protection

New companies will emerge or existing ones will grow in areas that provide cost effective alternatives.

  • Consumable alternatives:  A great service that saves about 50% compared to new purchase is refill services for ink cartridges
  • Self-service alternatives: Web self-help services, order management, online stores
  • Outsourcing non-core services: A recent client of mine found a PEO (Professional Employment Organization) was able to provide payroll, HR, benefits & workman’s comp for 25% less than in-house staff.

Look for companies that help protect the planet: Recyclers, repurpose & re-use.

Look for companies or organizations that will reap the benefits of federal government stimulus funds.

  • Public well being:  education & healthcare
  • Services: police & social services
  • Infrastructure construction: roads, railroads & mass transit
  • Energy: solar, wind power & efficient operation alternatives

Companies are buying products & services in a recession.  You just need to look at the marketplace in a new way.