From offering buy one car, get another for a dollar to offering free travel companion tickets, various industries are offering innovate discounts to increase sales. On a local level, I’ve enjoyed two strategies local restaurants are using to increase business. The first restaurant offers a 22% discount for all entrees to celebrate 22 years of loyal customers. At the second restaurant, the manager personally presents a 25% coupon off your next dinning experience. Both strategies help build relationships for the long-term, because the emphasis is on the customer NOT on the discount. Too frequently, companies and stores are eager to slash prices to increase promotions. Yes, a 50% discount can increase business in the short-term. However, what message is the deep discount saying to your customer for the long-term? …That you are struggling to move inventory? …Or worse, that you are possibly going out of business? If your goal is to survive this recession and positively move forward, focus