How Long Will The Current Recession Last?

While the signs of a recession have been visible for months, the fact that we are currently in a nationwide --and even worldwide-- recession is now official.And according to experts, we've been in that recession since December of 2007.This news probably comes as a surprise to no one.Many people are losing their jobs, struggling to pay their bills, and seeing their investments slip out from underneath them.Even those of us who spend much more time on internet dating sites than on financial news sites can feel the pinch.

So the question on every American's mind is...how long will the current recession last?

Looking at Past Recessions

Because this recession has been calculated to have begun in December of 2007, it's already the fourth longest recession the country has experienced in eighty years.

Many say that this recession is gearing up to be the most severe in decades.

But in order to know what that means --and if it's time to panic-- it's important to look at the past major recessions of the last 80 years or so.

The most recent recessions on record were in 1990 to 1991, and then again in 2001.Those recessions, though, were short economic downturns and were not particularly deep.It isn't difficult for the current recession to beat out those recent recessions in both length and intensity.A closer comparison to today's recession can be found in the one that took place from 1981 to 1982, and lasted a total of 16 months.

As far as recessions go, the one that took place in the 1980's was longer than usual.And it was also deeper, with employment rates at 10.8% at their worst.By the standards of the time and the standards of today, it was a very deep, very serious recession.And it really helps to put the recession that we're currently experiencing into perspective.

Currently, the unemployment rate in the U.S.is hovering at about 6.5%.This is more than four points less that that of the 1981-1982 recession.And, according to experts, a huge amount of damage would need to be done to our economy (in addition to the significant damage already done, of course) in order to take the current unemployment rates up to 10% or more.An encouraging piece of news for those of us worried about our jobs and our income.

But still, theories and conjectures are flying around, and many comparisons are being made to the Great Depression, when most of the country was poor and unemployment rates shot up to 25%.For those of you out there worrying that the next years will see a repetition of this situation...you don't have to.Almost all of the experts out there insist that it's not possible for the economy to suffer the same damage today that it did in the 1930s.There are just too many differences in the way that things are run.

So if today's recession is so different from the Great Depression and the recession of the early 80's, how can experts possibly predict how long it will last?Well, while predictions are only that --predictions-- economists are looking at the way recessions behave in general to predict what the current one will do.

Since World War II, the average length of the 10 recessions that took place up until today is about 10 months.But because the current recession has already lasted more than 12 months (having begun in December of 2007) and is clearly coming to no end soon, the prediction is that this will be another 16-month recession, like that of 1973-75 and 1981-82.This puts the end of the recession in the middle of 2009.

Of course, predictions aren't always accurate, and there's a possibility that this recession will be deeper and longer than experts suggest.But for those of us worried that another Great Depression is on the horizon, the predictions being made about the current situation are a little ray of hope that, perhaps, things aren't as bad as they seem.

About the Author

This article was written by Shawn Wilson, a member of the customer support team at Datepad, where internet dating is always free.

Datepad has a massive directory of informative dating articles along with a great list of dating site reviews on their dating blog.

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What Do Business Owners Want Internet Marketers To Do For Them?

When I say business owners I mean established mainstream companies that employ from 5-500 people.Companies up and down Main Street in every country where you could be reading this message.Real people manufacturing, selling, and distributing real products and services.These companies account for virtually 100% of job growth now and will do so in the future.

These companies are privately held and/or family owned - the money being spent or invested by them is their own money so they are sensitive to the principles of ROI.And they are always on the lookout for people who understand them and who can help them understand the elements of doing business in the 21st Century - by that I mean, online.

They tell me they want to increase their market share in their traditional marketing area.While they may be doing just fine doing business where they've always done it - you can be sure they are not getting all the business that is out there.Sometimes they know this and know why - but they don't know how to change it.Often they are driving right past profitable accounts without realizing it.Maybe you can help them see their picture more clearly.

They want to extend their marketing area by 50-100 miles in every direction.I am not making the 50-100 mile radius up.Within 50 miles they can deliver what the sell, service it, and go there take care of business and come back all in one day.Beyond that there are additional fixed costs to consider.Within 100 miles they can connect with an entire new population of prospects.While they are not "from there" they are close enough to do business with and they are a fresh face on the scene.

They tell me they want to increase their "share of customer" meaning that they want to be the sole source provider of products and/or services in their category that their clients and customers use.Why not strive to get all their business - make each customer a Key Account and the profit per will soar.They also want to make online sales and service a default part of the company - so at least some elements of their organization are in gear and running 24/7/365.

They want to grow their bottom line with easier automated customer acquisition, increased productivity, reduced costs, and a higher sales volume.Along with automation there are complimentary products and services they can offer without increasing their fixed overhead.

And they recognize that customer loyally is vital to a healthy bottom line.It depends on the industry but I have read studies that illustrate that existing loyal customers are five times more profitable than banging away to keep getting new ones.

So how can you help them?Can you help them source complimentary products?Can you teach them how to use Internet marketing strategies, marketing that was previously for 100% online businesses and integrate it into their offline business?Can your strategies help them leverage their existing accounts with the web 2.0 strategies that are second nature to you - and that will mesmerize them, to grow the profitability of the customers they already have?

By now I hope you are thinking about the implications of what you've just read and I also hope you will take a few seconds and post your comments for the rest of us.By sharing your experiences and insights here you will be adding to the richness of the conversation.

About the Author

Just like you, Wayne Messick is concerned about strategies for success in these challenging times.

Determined to realize your potential, get his free report that is guaranteed to help you achieve the success you seek at http://www.wdm.net and also receive a COST OF CONFLICT calculator at no charge.

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