How Economic Uncertainty Is Quietly Undermining Your Business Impact.
Even If You Think It Shouldn’t Be.
Click HERE to watch:
How Economic Uncertainty Is Quietly Undermining Your Business Impact. Even If You Think It Shouldn’t Be.
It’s Not Just Wall Street Feeling the Pinch
Here’s a descriptor economists love: “The invisible hand of the market.” It’s an elegant turn of a phrase, almost comforting. Adam Smith coined it to suggest that market forces, left alone, will sort themselves out. It pairs nicely with the other old chestnuts, “laissez-faire,” “the market knows,” and “the rising tide lifts all ships.”
But those phrases feel quaint now, sort of like advice from a well-meaning uncle who’s never had to meet payroll. Because today, that invisible hand doesn’t nudge. It jabs. It’s redirecting the stock market, slashing your budget, stamping out your client’s appetite, and messing with my speaking calendar. And if you’re not watching closely, it can pull the rug out from under your business, even when you’ve done everything right.
The worst part? You don’t need to sell to the government, apply for grants, or rely on foreign suppliers to feel the effects. The current administration’s handling of the economy, tariffs, whiplash market policy, and defunded programs is firing shockwaves throughout the business world. And those waves are reaching everyone.
But first, a story:
I had two fantastic European keynote gigs in the pipeline. Since all the economic upheaval, one has ghosted me entirely, and the other, a European client I’ve worked with twice before, said, “I just can’t put an American on stage right now.”
Let’s be clear. I don’t build military drones. I don’t sell farm equipment overseas. I don’t submit grant proposals or collect federal checks. And yet, policy shifts, trade decisions, and economic uncertainty are rolling downhill and crashing into my world. And yours too, whether you’ve noticed it yet or not.
Now, I don’t know what your internal GPS makes this sound like to you, but mine translates “don’t call us, we’ll call you” into “we’re scared.” They’re not scared of me, not scared of my message, and certainly not scared of the value I bring to their audiences. They’re scared of what’s going on; of the economy, of what’s already started, of what’s next, and of what all this will cause.
Simply put, they’re scared of the unknown.
The Real Cost of Economic Fear
We all fall into a trap. We assume that if we don’t sell to the government or have factories that depend on tariffs or subsidies, we’re immune to macroeconomic policy. We aren’t.
When Confidence Becomes a Casualty
Confidence is a currency. When the economy wobbles, people stop investing—not just in concrete things like factories and buildings but in ideas, growth, and future-forward conversations. They become tight-fisted, short-sighted, and risk-averse. They stop hiring speakers and funding training. And they start retreating.
Read: How Uncertainty Affects Consumer Behavior
Why Fear Halts Innovation
When people recoil, brands suffer. Not because the product gets worse, not because demand evaporates, but because fear is a terrible business partner.
Read: Fear is a Terrible Business Strategy
The Not-So-Invisible Hand That’s Pulling Back
We like to think of market forces as predictable, like gravity. But lately, it feels more like an undertow. One minute, you’re standing firm. The next, you’re being pulled somewhere you didn’t plan to go.
Read: Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Global Business Spending
When global audiences don’t want Americans on stage, that’s not just about politics. That’s about perception. When companies stop booking keynotes, that’s not about PowerPoint fatigue. That’s about fear.
Don’t kid yourself. Whether you’re selling consulting, concrete, or content, we’re all in the perception business. When the environment around your brand gets chilly, your pipeline will freeze.
Whether You Sell Consulting, Concrete, or Content, Perception Is Everything
Confidence doesn’t just affect Wall Street. It affects every conversation, every budget, every brand.
Read: What Happens When You Stop Telling Your Story?
Here’s What You Can Do Next
This isn’t a call to panic. It’s a call to adapt.
Stay visible. Stay valuable.
Keep telling your story and showing your value, because retreat is a race to the bottom, and that’s not a race you want to win.
Read: Why Brands Can’t Afford to Go Quiet During a Downturn
Book Keynotes That Cut Through the Noise
And when you’re ready to inspire your teams to think differently, move confidently, and create meaningful impact in this climate, let’s talk. The times might be uncertain, but your message doesn’t have to be. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
Reach out now before the fear gets louder than the opportunity.
You can learn more at www.bruceturkel.com
Bruce- Mentioned your emails the other day- I keep scores of emails to “read later.” Anecdotally- ever wonder how many people circle back and read a saved email? Your emails have a 100% revisit rate in my camp.
Thank You Cheryl. From my experience I almost never get back to all the things I save to read as later because the list just keeps growing and growing and I never have more time.
I really appreciate knowing you read mine!!
Very well said Mr. Turkel…..
Thank you Ms. Romanos!
Great advice, Bruce! Thank you! But that comment,” I just can’t put an American on stage right now.” >Ouch<
Yup.
Great piece! Very well done.
Thank you Ritchie!
Bruce, great advice in times of uncertainty! For the first time, I’m actually afraid of what the government is doing! I feel like I have to protect myself from them because they may be coming after things like bank accounts, IRA’s, investments and real estate, sooner than later!
Thank You Mike. We are living through strange times indeed.