Renowned Business Consultant Francie Dalton Says Small Businesses Can Prosper

in Troubled Economy

Businesses "Block Their Blessings" by Focusing on Economic Fears, Dalton Says

Columbia, Md., January 25, 2011 — There are signs the stagnant U.S. economy may be beginning to warm, but many companies are still frozen with fear. More than half of small businesses still believe the economy will worsen, according to a recent Discover Small Business Watch Survey. This fear is immobilizing, said Francie Dalton, a respected consultant who has helped scores of businesses and executives reach their full potential. Ms. Dalton, who has appeared on CNN and was featured in Harvard Management Update, Investor's Business Daily, The New York Post, and The New York Times, also said anxiety is stopping small companies from plucking new opportunities that exist even in these troubled economic times.

"If your thoughts are focused on fear and you're imagining the worst for yourself and your business, you are really blocking your blessings," said Dalton, founder of Dalton Alliances, Inc., a Columbia, Md., firm that offers customized company surveys, executive coaching and developmental workshops. "Instead of panicking, now is the time to buckle down and take action every single day to improve revenue," said Dalton.

Dalton, past adjunct faculty member at University of Maryland and author of the new book, "Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions when 7 Workplace Behaviors are at their Worst," is available to talk about how she is advising small businesses to rise above the tough economy. For instance, companies should never stop prospecting for new clients because it can take months to complete a deal. And generating new business through face-to-face networking is more important now than ever, Dalton said.

"If you want to survive the lean times, you have to network regularly and focus on helping others. Understand that networking is a numbers game. Play to win," Dalton said.

Major corporations may be in trouble, but small businesses continue to be the backbone of the U.S. economy, Dalton said. Companies that employ 500 or fewer workers – the definition of a small business – account for 99 percent of all independent enterprises in the United States, according to U.S. State Department data.

Dalton offers a three-step process that helps businesses survive and prosper. The process includes taking sound, reasoned steps for product, service or staff reductions; using metrics to ensure continued high performance; and enacting measures to retain valued staff.

Dalton is available for media interviews and public speaking engagements. To arrange an interview, contact Andie Sugrue, (304) 433-1960.