Success in Troubled Times: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

With uncertainty in the industry, slow trade shows, and businesses holding back, is now the time to retreat or push forward? This week, Terry and Aaron tackle the reality of today’s market. From struggling events to economic concerns, with a highlight on how decorators can turn challenges into opportunities. We’ll discuss what’s happening, why disruption and innovation thrive in tough times, and practical strategies to stay ahead, create more market share, and position yourself for long-term success. Whether you're feeling the impact or looking for ways to stay strong, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in any market condition. Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening! Your business’ SVPs—Strengths, Values, and Passions—are the foundation for long-term success. When aligned with these, you can move from feeling overwhelmed by daily operations to gaining clarity and control. Take the SVP Business Alignment Assessment News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [e-mail]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/D-1LMvVCT5s Dad Joke Aaron: You think gas and electric bills are expensive? Have you seen chimneys? They are through the roof! Challenges to Opportunities 1. Setting the Stage: What’s Happening in the Industry? Overview of recent trade show performance (Irving, DAX, Long Beach, etc.) Economic uncertainty and its impact on business investment Mergers & acquisitions – What do they signal about the industry’s direction? Customers hesitant to buy – what’s causing the delay? (TikTok situation, economy, AI, and market shifts) Signs we’re seeing Trade show attendance Trade show purchase slowdown But is this translating to the end consumer slowing down too? Is this a self-created downturn based on nothing more than caution… feelings? 2. Why Tough Times Breed Innovation and Disruption History repeating? Similar patterns from 2008 Businesses that pivot and innovate often emerge stronger Examples of companies that have successfully adapted in past downturns What decorators can learn from other industries 3. How to Stay Strong and Create More Market Share Handling downturns like 2008, Covid, etc. Businesses that were already hanging by a thread are the first to go Tighten your belt, look at your spending The power of niching down – becoming the go-to expert Strengthening customer relationships through value and education Brand differentiation – Standing out when competitors cut back Leveraging content and storytelling to build brand loyalty 4. Positioning Your Business for Long-Term Success Investing in efficiency: Automation, training, and better processes Smart marketing during downturns – Where to spend and where to cut back Collaboration over competition – Finding strategic partnerships Adaptability – The key to long-term survival in any industry 5. Actionable Takeaways: What Listeners Can Do Now Mindset shift – Why now is NOT the time to panic, but to plan and act Evaluate your business – Where can you improve or pivot? Invest in education – Keep learning and stay ahead of trends Connect with industry peers – Build support networks and collaborations