I ran across a printed copy of the Trozzolo Communications Group newsletter called “High Return” at work today. It’s a really nicely-done piece (inserted into my Kansas City Business Journal). Pasquale Trozzolo wrote an article called “Pass the Malaise” encouraging business people to “educate [customers] on how your product or service can enhance what they do. Use persuasive communication that’s light on hype and heavy on facts and feeling.”

The whole newsletter is fantastic. It’s encouraging and shows off Trozzolo people and successful projects. It’s an enjoyable read.

My favorite “ad” is on the back page. It features a penguin looking out across a sea of frozen ice. The headline is, Oh, Brighten Up. Here’s what it says beneath:

No, this is not the friendliest business climate. In fact, it’s enough to make many of us want to hunker down. For you contrarians, however, this is the golden moment. While the rest of your industry pulls back, this is the time to boost your profile and get aggressive. This is the time to showcase your progress, your thinking. For you contrarians, we’re standing by.

This ad really made me stop and think. Am I a “contrarian?”

I hope so. I’ve been encouraging friends and laid-off colleagues to get out there and polish off the resume. Take a new picture of yourself looking sharp and use it. Connect with your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter friends. Drink strong coffee and talk about life.

It’s not all doom and gloom, even on the days when it seems like it. Yesterday we about froze, today it’s almost 65 degrees.

There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not necessarily a train.

I’m ready to “brighten up” and be a contrarian.

Are you?