3/16/2008
10:17:46 AM 

This isn't the first slowdown I've experienced, but it sure seems to be one of the worst. That said, there are some things we can do to help ease the negative effects. I've listed some below. Feel free to add some of your own.

1. Bend over backwards to please the customers you have. Referrals carry much more weight in tough economic times.

2. Go back in old labor bills and reciepts and call existing customers to see if they might be needing something in the way of repairs, new purchase, etc..

3. Print flyers (very inexpensive advertising) and place throughout your working territory. Try and place in the hands of people- for this is a good way for them to meet you and for you to leave a good first impression.

4. Take any size job (even the seemingly small ones), they sometimes lead to larger jobs in the near future.

5. Simplify your lifestyle. Get rid of disposable expenses such as that $150.00 a month cable TV bill. You could perhaps scale down to a basic plan for a lot less. Budget, budget, budget. Know where every penny is going, and see if there are areas you can scale back on.

6. Keep a positive attitude. The law of attraction (as natural as the law of gravity) can be your friend, or worst enemy. If you are constantly dwelling on the negatives, then that is what you will generally attract. Change the Woe-is-me to a we-are blessed attitude and see if your circumstances don't change dramatically.