Expert Advice When You Need It Most
Protecting Yourself During a Recession - Ten Tips for the Small BusinessWritten by: Michael J. Shavel Reputation Level 7
Posted about 3 years ago. 1 helpful vote, 0 comments
1
Streamline immediatelyCut unnecessary expenses. Examine all aspects of the business. Review historical records to ascertain thoses expenses that have and have not proven to be of value to the business. DO you have redundancies? Can you delay certain expenses and marshal case? Make the difficult choices to sell off or close unproductive lines of business. 2
Increase the advertising/marketing budgetBe careful, limit increases to those areas you know are/have been successful. Now is not the time for experimentation. 3
Invest more time in your businessReview your records daily. Be in a position to act immediately and from a position of knowledge. You are your best and most cost effective asset. 4
Invest in your employeesKnow your work force. Do not lose competent employees. You may also consider hiring new employees at a reduced rate. During a recession many competent workers may be looking for employment. It’s a buyer’s market. Also, while your business is slow invest in new training for your employees. Remember, the recession is temporary. Be prepared to act first when the recession is ending. 5
Budget for the recessionHave cash flow projections for the short term and the long term. Make realistic assumptions and predictions. 6
Avoid drastic price cuttingSuch cuts can only help cash flow temporarily and may ultimately lead to expectations of lower prices from your customers. 7
Provide discounts to the long term and reliable customersBuild and strengthen existing relationships. Increase customer service. This is an inexpensive way to strengthen customer loyalty. 8
Take advantage of the recession and the period of uncertaintyAs contracts and leases near their expiration, become a tough negotiator. Seek reduced costs from your suppliers. 9
Take advantage of opportunitiesParticularly those involving the expansion of your business — but do your due diligence. 10
Maintain your personal creditIn light of the current credit crunch, your business’s ability to get credit may depend on your credit as an individual. Additional ResourcesFollowing these tips does not guarantee your business will yield the kinds of results for which you are striving. But they will ensure that the opportunities for maximum profitability are optimized. Related Questions2 Attorney answers: 
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