In this era of cutbacks and alternative ways of saving, I think it is necessary to remind small business owners to band together.  Although we are not bound by an official union, we can become our own union of sorts.  We can rely on each other for strength, ideas and innovation.  If a business owner comes across an innovative method of advertising or marketing that is more cost effective than what they are doing now, why not help others who might be in the same boat?  As a business owner myself, I find that the more information I can share with my colleagues the more strong and confident I become.

Small businesses seem to be faring remarkably well in this unavoidable economic curve-ball.  A report in CNN’s Small Business column stated that small businesses seem to be gaining from big business closures because of their ability to restructure cost effectively.  Read more at: http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/30/smallbusiness/job_creation.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2008073016

I think it is more important now than ever before to build our networks, rely on our external sales force and build our alliances.  Even if you can’t spend your usual dollar amount on advertising, use the time to do some cost effective marketing.  Get yourself and staff out into the community.  Attend luncheons held by area businesses.  Involve yourself in community networking opportunities.  All of these will prove valuable tools and resources when the economical dust has settled and we can once again return to our sense of “normal.”