Good Free Stuff

 NINE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO STAY IN BUSINESS IN A RECESSION

Business Resources on the Web

Biz Best Media
www.bizbest.com
What distinguishes this e-zine is that the publisher actually rates different products and services available to small businesses�

Brooklyn Public Library
www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org
By going to the web site and entering the code from the back of your library card, you can access data bases with very useful information on all aspects of running and growing a business.

Business Owner's Toolkit
www.Toolkit.cch.com
The very useful resource comes from the Commerce Clearing House publisher and contains lots of very useful and downloadable business forms.

Business Week Online – Small Business Newsletter
http://bw.smartonline.com
To get the newsletter, you’ll have to click around a bit once you’re in, but when you get there, the weekly newsletter has some really fine, SHORT articles as well as links to other useful information for small businesses.

Business Solutions
www.allbusiness.com
This site features introductions to key business issues, like contracts, franchising, business structures and offers low-cost sample documents.

InfoGuru Marketing Manuel
www.actionplan.com/infoguru.html
Robert Middleton, the creator of the site, offers a wide range of books, CDs and weekly marketing tips for service businesses. I am an affiliate member, so please use the following URL if you decide to purchase products from him: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=8100�

Marketing Sherpa
www.marketingsherpa.com
This weekly e-zine features timely articles about how to enter different kinds of markets. Its market are mid-size businesses.

National Small Business Association
www.nsba.biz
While primarily a lobbying association, the site has much useful information for all kinds of small businesses.

Planned TV Arts
www.RickFrishman.com
Rick Frishman is a kind of guru for getting publicity about your business. He offers workshops and his newsletter, PlannedTV Arts, has lots of tips.

Small Business Technology Report
www.smallbiztechnology.com
Raymond Ray, the publisher of the report, is a very down-to-earth guy who really loves making technology useful and accessible to the small business person.

Small Business Weekly
www.enewsbuilder.net
Another e-zine with articles and links useful to small businesses

StartUp Nation
www.startupnation.com
This site, prepared by two highly successful entrepreneurs, features short articles, tips and links to other sites of use to small businesses

The Red Dragon Letter
www.thereddragonletter.com
This monthly e-zine offers a complete business overview with sections ranging from trade to the cost of business to a geopolitical watch.

NINE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO STAY IN
BUSINESS DURING A RECESSION

1.  Don't slash your prices!  (Your customers who paid full price will feel ripped off.)

2.  Offer your services or package your products at different price points to give customers more options.

3.  Keep a close eye on your cashflow and look out for possible shortfails BEFORE they happen. Contact vendors BEFORE a payment is due and work out new arrangements.

4.  Look at your receivables.  This is the time to really go after people who are behind, but consider offering incentives, like a pertentage discount for early payment.

5.  Review the terms of any lines of credit or loans that are outstanding.  Look for out for provisions that allow the lender to make changes at their discretion.

6.  Reward your loyal customers with some extras.  Invite them into for a special opening where they'll get a discount on your products.

7.  Remind all employees of the importance of treating customers well.  Not only does the business depend on it, but their  jobs may as well.

8.  Consider forming alliances with other businesses.  You may be able to cross market to each other.  Think restaurants and movie theaters.

9.  Remember that recessions come and go - if you're careful and conscientious, you'll make it through.