Telling words.
Michele Bullock, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, stated that monetary policy, in particular a 0.25% increase in official interest rates, was a blunt instrument with a lead time of up to three months before the full effects of the initiative would be widely felt.
Therefore, we currently live and operate in a hiatus, characterised by pauses, suspensions, apprehensions, interruptions, disruptions, breaks, voids and absences of continuity. In such circumstances, it is difficult to fill the gaps and join the dots.
Inertia can readily become the driving force that impacts motion, effort, action, energy, and desire – often resulting in sluggishness. In that sense, emotion and physical reality can readily become infectious.
The intent of the interest rate increase is to slow economic activity and inflation. Reduced transactions have broader applications, implications and consequences.
Unison in and between the effects is unlikely. Individual endeavours, pursuits and campaigns can and will materially influence and affect the resultant trends.
RIGHT TIME
Now is, seemingly, a good time to stand out and differentiate. As competitors, substitutes, interlopers, and peers cut back, “batten down the hatches,” and delay scope exits to address attitudes, perceptions, and purchase criteria to the benefit of one’s own company, brand, products, services, and applications.
In a suspended or contracting marketplace, the ambitions and intent should be to increase presence, relevance, and resonance, with the objective of increasing market share (in relative and possibly absolute terms).
Negotiating and redressing prevailing perceptions and expectations is an essential first step in the process.
Affordability, simplicity, accountability and value are fundamental. Group-mentality can, and often does, stifle beliefs, desires, interests, demand, and transaction volume and velocity.
Therefore, set the agenda, determine the narrative, engage in the discourse and encourage the participants.
Never forget the bottom-line objective. That is, to include a deal, bank the receipts and enjoy the profits. In short, unapologetically ask for the business – many others ( typically tentative) are reluctant or not inclined to do so.
On reflection and in balance, hiatus is a state of mind, often self-induced, administered and tolerated.
DON’T JOIN IN
A moment of reflection.
Hiatus indeed. During the recessions of 1967, 1977, 1987, 1992, 2008, and recently with the dot.com crash of 2,000 and the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of 2020, numerous entrepreneurs and creative, innovative entities conducted campaigns declaring they were not signing up for the prevailing recession and its consequences. Their declaration:
We remain open for business.
It can be lonely, but not isolated.
Interest is stimulated; enthusiasm is generated, and emboldened actions are rewarded – even in periods of hiatus.
Step up, go to the front and solicit, encourage and celebrate willing followers. Peer and fellow venturers will be few.
THAT’S NEWS
Periods of hiatus induce slowing or slowdowns in economic and commercial activities.
Newsworthy pursuits become isolated and spasmodic. Sources dry up, and the insatiable 24/7 media appetites go unsatisfied.
Therefore, opportunities arise for communications–savvy entities keen to enjoy free and low-cost multimedia exposure.
Initiating contact with contemporary texts, with an emphasis on public, industry, professional, and sector relevance, interest, benefits, and advantages, is generally warmly received.
An underlying philosophy to be remembered, deployed and reinforced is:
New is news
Articulate, well-presented spokespersons need to be well-versed, briefed, and practised to enunciate key messages concisely.
Disciplined follow-up and follow-through with media contacts can establish ongoing relationships, trust, confidence and preference.
Regular, periodic texts (news briefs) should be documented and distributed for use in and on:
- Newspapers (electronic and paper)
- Radio
- Television
- Trade/Professional newsletters
- Podcasts
- Social media platforms
- Association-based missives
- Speaking platforms
Countless others exist to be exploited.
In short, during periods of hiatus, take a breath, not a pause. There is a lot to do, can be done, should be done and, probably, must be done. Hiatuses foster opportunities for those who seek and are willing to capitalise on them.
THEREFORE
Commerce should emulate physics. That is, do not tolerate or accommodate voids (hiatus periods).
Economics and commerce are states of mind, not states of the marketplace.
Barry Urquhart
Conference Keynote Speaker
Marketing Focus
M: 041 983 5555
E: [email protected]
W: www.marketingfocus.net.au
COMMENTARY: IT’S LOGIC – APPLY OCCAM’S RAZOR
The best analyses and answers seem to be the simplest.
Basic probability theory works in your favour. Regardless of how complex the issue is, look for the simplest resolution.
RUMINATE. REFLECT. REFINE. RECALIBRATE. LIKE. SHARE.
by Barry Urquart – (c) 2026.
Read Time: 4 minutes.
About the Author.
Barry Urquhart is a highly regarded market research and strategic planning consultant, recognised throughout Australasia for his insight, clarity, and thought leadership. A seasoned keynote speaker at premier conferences, Barry is also the acclaimed author of Serves You Right! And Service Please!, two of the region’s top-selling titles on customer service excellence.
Respected as a trusted voice in business strategy, Barry continues to lead influential workshops and development programs that help organisations drive sustainable growth, elevate service culture, and achieve competitive distinction.
For Media Enquiries or Speaking Engagements:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +61 041 983 5555
