I’ve been in this industry since ‘94, but acting in a client facing capacity since ‘99. During that time I’ve always noticed that there is a seasonal frequency to the number of RFPs, RFQs, referrals and new business opportunities. Typically, it goes like this. January is slow, Feb thru May is the busiest time of the year. Followed by a bit of a lull during the Summer, but then it picks up again in September and starts chilling out around Thanksgiving. Then the last minute stuff is rushed before the holidays coming along.

Thus far, this year is no different (I just jinxed us). The work is still coming in and after talking with several industry colleagues, they are saying the same thing. Our industry “seems” to be somewhat resistant to recessions due in-part to several factors:

• Cutbacks usually first trim off marketing & creative type jobs; however that work is usually then outsourced to agencies and web firms.
• The smart companies go after market share. These are the companies who’ve set themselves up to take advantage of rough economic times and they pounce on the chance to out maneuver the competition to eat up market share.
• Slow economies force businesses to re-evaluate who they are and what they want to be. At times, this causes them to focus on revamping their public image… ie website.

I’d be interested to know if any other agencies around the country are feeling the same way?