How to Pump Up Profits Despite Soaring Gas Prices

A software company that makes routing software, for example, recently realized it had an opportunity to capitalize on the soaring gas prices. The software, which analyzes daily deliveries and tells drivers the best routes to take, was originally developed as a labor-saving device, but now the company sells it as a fuel-saving device.

"That company caught on that they just needed to change their marketing," Conerly says. "I would sit back and say, 'What part of our business helps people deal with high-energy costs? What do we already have on the shelf, and what are we doing that might help?'"

Barbara Koscs of Errands, etc., a personal concierge service, is taking advantage of the soaring gas prices by refocusing her marketing. Her monthly newsletter to clients and prospects includes an article on gas prices with the suggestion that people join together and have her company shop for them as a group.

"For example, people in residential complexes, such as active adult communities, or people who work in the same office can hire us to make one trip to the supermarket for them," Koscs says. Rather than having to go shop individually, people can join together and split the cost of Koscs' time.

Whatever your business, there's opportunity to be found in the soaring gas prices -- provided you adapt to the times. After all, if gas prices are changing consumer habits, then business owners should be changing their habits as well.

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