The strangest things happen to people when they get scared, but the worst is the reaction of business people that think their hard won business is going down hill and they begin to react. Reaction cause calamities such as the loss of additional much needed funds as we throw money at any marketing ploy that looks like it might work. During a time of uncertainly, hold tight to your funds and take extra measures to research advertising before making an investment. Learn to take a deep breath and be pro-active, not reactive to the situation at hand.

Most businesses expend money is areas that are not needed during difficult times. Although these expenses might bolster a business image they are not needed for strict survival or stabilization of the business. If you have luxuries in your business that are not absolutely necessary now is the time to cut them out. Items like cable Internet services, high rate cell phone services, (option for the lower plan), etc.

is the time to make all those phone calls to business friends you haven't had time for in the past. Reconnect and start nurturing the networking process again. Do not, I repeat, do not advertise your business hardships. Maintain your positive attitude. Let your business friends know about your plans and offer them a commission for any business they send your way. Make it worth their time and they will be worth your time.

Give yourself some peace of mind by making a six-month survival plan. Once you know exactly what you will need to stay on top, your anxiety will lesson and your creativity will increase. This is a perfect example of being pro-active instead of reactive.

Keep exact records of sales week-to-week and month-to-month every single year. By doing this you will begin to understand the busy times and slow times of your business. In turn this will allow you to plan financially for the slow times. Every business has a slow period during the year, it's important that you know what yours is in order to plan for the success of your business.

Do not depend on one marketing avenue to get you through tough times. Perhaps this one marketing technique has worked for you in the past, but obviously something has changed, and now so must you. Make a list of possible marketing avenues and begin researching which methods are most cost effective in relation to results.

Smart business people understand when they need outside help. Do you? If your business is doing more sinking than swimming it's time to seek a professional to help you put your business on stable ground. Many, many businesses have filed bankruptcy when it wasn't necessary. Professional financial mediators can help you with creditors and get your business moving in the right direction again.

A downward shift in the economy can cause heart-stopping reactions where your business is concerned, but once you learn how to work through the situation you soon realize you and your business can weather any storm.