Small and large businesses alike have two choices right now: be bold or go home. In our industry, I’ve watched competitor web design and video production companies, interactive agencies, and social media shops here in Los Angeles teeter and fall. In fact, right now one shop that bills itself as the premier web design company in LA is pretty much over, and word is it will close its doors in September (editor’s note: they did).

Just about every company that’s in trouble has slashed marketing budgets and headcount. They’ve given up, and they’re going home. Or, hoping and praying that they’ll somehow survive this downturn in an amputated state and be able to come back in the future.

This sad reality is playing out in pretty much every industry in almost all parts of the country. And to me, it’s exactly the wrong strategy. Others see a nightmare. I see opportunity. And not just for digital agencies like us.

I’m not saying to be (more…)