What is “my economy”?

I am not an economist, nor do I play one on T.V.  I am in the hotel business, and like most industries,we have been impacted by the struggles of the U.S. economy.  The U.S. economy is “my economy” and the one I need to contribute to in order to feed my family and one that needs to compete and win in this global economy.  We as average Joe and average Jane Americans need to reduce this huge economy into actions that we have an impact on so that we can contribute and shorten this cycle.  If you get paid in dollars, you need to contribute to “your“ economy.

When I look at the size of our problems it is hard to see what I as an average Joe can do to have an impact.   If each and every American focused with laser light energy on annual spending of 60% domestically, we would have a trade surplus which would drive net income to our economy and create demand for more American made products and jobs, 

The closer I look the more I have come to realize how much each of my actions leaves a footprint and I want my Economic Footprint to have a positive effect on my economy.  When we pay attention to our trade budget within our own personal purchases we will all create a paradigm shift creating a flourishing economy. 

You do not need to be an economist to understand that we need surpluses more than we need deficits.  If I am spending more than I am bringing home I either need to cut expenses or build income.  This is the Average Joe Economics that we as Americans have the ability and responsibility to correct with our actions in the workplace and the market place. 

This is a very challenging issue, as we need and want free trade. As with everything, we must have a balance and we as consumers are the only ones who can create this balance.  Look down your street and keep your neighbors in mind when you shop.  Who is turning the wrench building the products you buy and are they  or their companies going to support your industry? 

To build income we need to help our companies by bringing our ideas to the marketplace to create the highest quality products and services that consumers around the globe will demand.  You will find if you pay attention, we have a lot more products built here than you realize and by just looking at the label we can create more.

We can create a marketing advantage that will create more jobs if we pay attention with every purchase.  Manufacturers are looking for ways to stand out in your mind and separate themselves from other products.  If we create the demand for products built here, they will fill it. 

Are you a Consumer or Producer?

 Ask yourself, “What is my role in the economy?”  Every day you hear about consumer confidence as a gauge of how the economy is moving.  Our spending represents 2/3 of the U.S. economy, which is why everyone is watching how, when and where we spend our money.  This proves that each of us has significant cause and effect on the economy with every action.  We need to harness this power and move from just consumers to producers.

There is a big misconception that “nothing” is made here anymore.  I have the unique perspective, as I travel the country and do market research in cities all over the U.S.  Not only is there a great deal of manufacturing here but more products are being built here every day.  The United States is the largest manufacturer in the world, over China, millions of employees that are exporting goods to fuel your economy and your paycheck.

We have Japanese cars, Chinese computers, refrigerators and many American companies that are still building products with American jobs.  I think many companies have come to realize that if we are not working, we can not afford to buy anything.

If we pay attention and ask questions at the retail level we can create jobs by simply looking for American products as the first step in our purchasing criteria.  Look at the Label.  Retailers will then ask their buyers and buyers will ask manufacturers.  When it makes economic sense, we will see more and more built right here.

Some products will still need to be built elsewhere but we as consumers, can produce American jobs by asking for them. Just look how everything became “green or environmentally friendly” when consumers started asking for them.

If we do not pay attention, jobs will continue to deteriorate and our taxes will continue to elevate.  I am not a “Crusader”, but I know that if the US economy does not create jobs, the unemployed will be subsidized through higher taxes and get healthcare in the ER, at your expense..