Zig when others zag

ABC News’ “Nightline” found one company that’s profiting from the recession: www.PropertyRoom.com. The segment highlights a Los Angeles-area company that is the eBay for unclaimed, stolen goods that police departments don’t want to auction themselves. Along with the 30,000 bicycles it sells a year, the site also offers the occasional Breitling watch with a thousand diamonds. The interviewed company executive estimates that business was up 30 percent in 2008.

Today’s Tip: The recession hasn’t hurt all companies. Zig when others zag -- as legendary Philadelphia Inquirer editor Gene Roberts used to say -- and find some winners.

To find companies that haven’t been hurt by the recession, check with economists at your regional bank, university or Federal Reserve Bank office; plus the local Small Business Administration, Chamber of Commerce or business association offices.

Also, pay attention to what’s happening. For instance, the Cincinnati Enquirer did a story last week about pest-control companies staying busy because of a regional bedbug outbreak, and The Arizona Republic reported big gains for a publicly traded university specializing in online degrees.