Sometimes, sales drop off for small businesses because of the shifting interests of the fickle American consumer. If you are marketing, as you should be doing, then you need to stay current with your customers, or your business will be left behind.

Writing this, it occurs to me at the moment that even small businesses need a new job position or outside freelance professional who works as a social media navigator.

For example, after ten years advertising in USA Today's classifieds, I suddenly saw sales begin to spiral downward.

After some head scratching, I realized that my customers had not left the planet Earth, they were still here, but they were looking for answers in all the new places.

At that time, I switched my advertising to Google Adwords, and saw my sales, double - and reach peaks I hadn't seen before. BUT that was then - and this is NOW! Personally, I won't spend a penny on AdWords anymore. Now it's just a bidding competition where the biggest loser is the one who wins the highest bid. I want my income to go into my pocket, not Google's.

If your sales are down, and you aren't trying something new; it may be time to re-read "Who Moved My Cheese?" because you are stuck or struggling for new Clients.

Read, The Gig Economy, by Diane Mulcahy, Author of The Gig Economy to get an updated view of how our American economy has been shifting and the tipping point is near.

Note: I just interviewed Diane for my new radio show: The YES! Academy of Client Acquistion Strategies, and if anyone would like a free copy of the my interview, if you send me a note, I will email this eye-opener to you.

[email address]

I asked Diane about the number one key to success in the on demand freelancer gig economy: confidence, and the ability to adjust to big changes in society.

Folks, your customers still need you, but they are looking for you in new and different ways and means.

Ask yourself, are you going to "Get busy living, or get busy dying?" Bob Dylan

Onward with determination and tranquility.

Mike Hayes