The Winding Road Through 2009

Everywhere I turn it’s the same message. “2009 will be a rocky road (and no one is referring to the ice cream). As far as BSP Rewards is concerned, we are well positioned to weather the storm.
We are starting off the year with a excellent backlog of business. The malls we hoped to launch in Q4 of ’08 were delayed, but not shelved. Assuming there is no further change of plans we should begin launching those private branded malls in the first and second quarter. I can’t guarantee results but can say that the new clients we are working with are substantially larger than those of the past.

We are expanding our platform to be more flexible and versatile. We have added functionality tailored to the needs of many our market channels. These include enhanced rewards, expanded loyalty and incentives and our load to debit card functionality. These new features are proving to be the door opener that attracts major clients.

In keeping with our new client base, we are developing a new expansion and innovative design for the malls. Some of the items we are working on include: an expanded merchant network, doubling of the discount merchandise catalog, a desktop widget, expansion of our instant print coupons and a special program that allows coupons to be redeemed at specific merchants. Exciting stuff!

Changes are happening on the personal side of our corporate life. Christina, our amazing head of customer service is getting married next week (to a really nice guy). Thankfully for us, she is only taking a one week honeymoon. Can it be that she loves her job so much that she can’t bear to be away any longer? (Not).

Bruce, one of our web site technoids, and our jack of all trades around the office, has moved to cold Connecticut. Move from Florida to Connecticut? Would make me wonder! But fret not - he is remaining A BSP man and will be telecommuting to his desk in Florida.

So the road looks a little rough for the economy, but we remain optimistic. These are times when online shopping (our space) is on the rise and consumers looking to save money every way they can (our space) and companies and non-profits looking to increase loyalty and bring forth new revenue streams (our space).

So, the dire economic forecast for 2009 offers a fantastic opportunity for companies in our space…..and we think we may be in the best position to take advantage that opening.

Until next time…..