Opportunity Knocks
By Marlene Cain, Staffing and Career Consultant
909.866.2819, marcain@earthlink.net

The Chinese word for “crisis” is composed of two characters. The first means “danger.” The second means “opportunity.” Together, they signify “crisis.”
A culture is reflected in its language. This explains the different perspective between Chinese and American culture with regard to crisis. While Americans see only the danger in a crisis, the Chinese see both the element of danger and the opportunity it provides.
For example, we all know about the fuel crisis, and the negative impact on tourists and travel.
Where is the opportunity here?
“ I recently received two calls from people who had planned to go to Mammoth this summer,” said Chamber of Commerce executive director Sara Russ. “But due to gas prices, they shortened their itinerary, and came to Big Bear instead.”
Opportunity knocks!
Not only is our location attractive, we’re also looking more attractive to regional economists.
“ The mountain communities are doing darn good compared to what’s going on in the rest of the county,” said Dr. John Husing, Inland Empire economist, at the recent summit held at Northwoods.
Opportunity knocks!
Husing also said we have a “tremendous quality of life” here, and urged everyone to unite “because no one has the ability to snap out of this downturn alone.”
How do you find the opportunity in an economic downturn? Start opening doors:
Door #1. Join your Chamber of Commerce. “In the last two weeks, I’ve received about 50 calls,” said Ron Yeager of W.O.W.!!! Services, an abatement, hauling, clean-up and defensible clearance company. “And about 90% were a result of my Chamber membership.”
Many members have talked about the new business opportunities that came simply through their affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce.
Door #2. Attend mixers. Mixers offer Chamber members a unique opportunity to “get out of the office” and network with colleagues--and potential customers--in a social setting.
Door #3. Participate in monthly power breakfasts. These meetings feature speakers from the business community, business updates, new business introductions, networking and 30-second “commercials” by every member present, promoting their product or service.
Door #4. Support “Shop Big Bear, it makes ¢ents!” campaign. Launched by the Chamber of Commerce, this program encourages customers and merchants alike to “think Big Bear first” whenever they need to make a purchase.
Door #5. Advertise. Keep your name out there. There are media available in all price ranges, including new, lower cost on-line opportunities.
Door #6. Collaborate with other businesses. Consider joining fellow business owners to promote products and services. Recently the Moonridge Animal Park, Big Bear History Museum and the Discovery Center partnered in this way and marketed their organizations in a very cost-effective manner.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “America’s another name for opportunity.”
The Chinese view each crisis as a potential opportunity.
We just say, “Opportunity Knocks!”

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