A whopping 19 million people suffer from a phobia...
as noted in this Forbes article.
Sadly, the average child today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the 1950s, according to Robert Leahy (author of The Worry Cure).

Women are more likely than men to suffer from anxiety disorders
That's according to ADAA data. Treatment of anxiety disorders costs the U.S. government more than $42 million annually.

Afraid of slacking off at work?
Working too much leads to stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, substance abuse and health problems (like heart disease), according to the author of Working Ourselves to Death.

But lawyers are not inspiring fear
Despite the fact that we're living in a time where many people (especially viewers of Court TV) love a good lawsuit, this article notes that more than 50% of entrepreneurs are not afraid of getting sued.

Have any insights or trends you'd like to share with theONswitch? Please feel free to e-mail them to us or comment at theONblog.

We have recently helped several clients "fill their bags" by developing networking plans for their businesses -- recommending specific companies, non-profits, consumer groups, events, and alliances as ways to find new customers. In addition to providing research services and contact names, we even go "door-to-door," with guerilla marketing, street team, and lead generation services. What kind of "treats" are you seeking? Call on us to develop the strategy.

Some web sources claim that donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. But should you be afraid of your neighbor's burro? We think not. After a Marketing Associate at theONswitch found the "donkey fact," we decided to delve deeper. You can't believe everything you read on the Internet, boys and girls!

Aptly put, Henry James!
Entrepreneurship can give even the strongest of us the heebie-jeebies. But don't be afraid to make those tough business decisions! Read theONblog post this month.

You're also always welcome at Hippy to Wiki and on Facebook. We should not fear social media. (Donkeys, perhaps...but not new media.)

We have no fear of exercise and healthy living...now that Denise Austin is our client! We suggest that while you're stocking up on horror flicks this Halloween season, you also pick up one of Denise's DVDs from Lionsgate (to burn off that candy corn)!

Clients enjoyed lots of media treats this month. The New York Times featured Southwoods summer camp. ABC-TV visited Oasis Day Spa to cover its "In the Pink" Breast Cancer Awareness month special. CBS 880 talked to Kenneth Magid DDS about his Halloween candy buy-back program, to benefit troops in Iraq. And the launch of Zoomnia was heralded with a huge feature story in the Journal-News.

theONswitch is also delighted to welcome these terrific new clients in October:

Mitchell/Martin Inc.,one of the nation's leading technology recruiting companies. We wrote a white paper for their CEO to deliver at a CIO Conference.

Monica Chimes Floral -- delivering fantastic personal service along with their seasonal blooms, gifts and bridal arrangements.

Cook. Eat. Drink. Live.
October 26-27: Pier 94
Use code EVENTS1 and you'll get the special price of $100 for the entire weekend at this hot new food and luxury living expo.

Women's Leadership Exchange Conference
October 30: Sheraton
Great speakers, workshops, networking, and inspiration. Select theONswitch from the menu when you register and you'll get a $50 discount.

Fall Foliage Cruises
October 27, 28 and November 3, 4, 10, 11 The best way to see changing leaves is aboard a high-speed Water Taxi on the Hudson. Hot cider, snacks, and great photo opps. too.

Having trouble keeping unwanted guests out of your office? How about a $2,690 Zombie Jumper Anamatronic? He's just a little more than a receptionist would cost and much more effective.

The average American is expected to spend $64.82 on Halloween this year, up from $41.77 in 2003, according to the National Retail Federation. The most popular pet costumes are expected to be devil, pumpkin and witch. (If you're busy putting horns on your pooch, you may have too much time on your hands.)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Are there enough "thanks" in your business life? Read our November 30-Second Current about gratitude.