Gen Y Gives Thanks: Positive business development in a tough economy

Gen Y'ers are grateful for lessons in building
business relationships of trust.
(Photo: Photoxpress.com)

Companies big and small, public and private have had a new mantra during these tough economic times--"Back to basics." Generation Y not only got this message, they have embraced it. Brian Linton and Adam McFarland are two Gen Y entrepreneurs who are making their businesses succeed because of the basic principle of building strong business relationships of trust through customer service. 

McFarland, 27, owner of Pure Adapt , Inc., in Albany, N.Y., discovered building relationships was a key controllable during a recession he couldn’t control.

“I'm grateful this year for all of the opportunities that are still out there. The catch phrase of the year involves some variation of ‘due to the poor economy...’. And while times are indeed tough, I'm glad my partners and I don't use it as an excuse. If you focus on the things you can control, the things that always make an impact - like developing strong relationships, going the extra mile for customers, developing sound business processes, etc - it's very possible to start and grow a promising business in our current economy. If anything, having to conserve cash and spend wisely is a good thing. And just like always, there are problems which need solutions, but problems equal opportunity ... if you choose to put a positive spin on things. I'm grateful the people around me - my friends, my family, my business partners - don't use tough times as a crutch and instead use them as an opportunity to become better.”

Linton, 22, founder of the Sand Shack, LLC, in Philadelphia, recognizes how building trusting relationships grew his business.

“I am so thankful for wise advice, sound judgment and the trust of people I do business with. I know it is sometimes very difficult for retail store owners to trust someone as young as me to deliver on promises, and it is even more difficult for them to do so in turbulent economic times. I am thankful that I have built a business on trust and respect.”

Linton and McFarland’s diligence in building business relationships is paying off. McFarland’s Pure Adapt almost doubled in size and Linton’s Sand Shack more than doubled this year. You can read more about them on their blogs: www.brianlinton.com and www.adam-mcfarland.net.

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