How to survive in a recession – your small business that is…

Just returned from a small presentation by Gil Zapata, hosted by the Partners for self Employment about how to keep your business running during a recession. The presentation was informal, following print outs of a power point presentation.
Even though the turnout was rather small, Gil did an excellent job at going over a few key points that are sure to keep me thinking.

Generally setting up the talk with a positive mindset, the key aspect is to remain positive, keep a positive outlook and adapt to the current state of the marketplace and the economy. Change, rethink. Go back to the basics. The fat years are gone. Morph!

Another important component was to slim down and cut; any expense you can think of, labor, accounting, materials. Before firing, talk with your employees to reduce salary and eliminate benefits. Even better, as an employee suggest this to your boss. You are sure to be the one not be let go, if and when the decision comes. All in all good points.

When all this is done, rethink marketing. Do it on a low budget, remember how it was done when starting out. Knock on doors if you have to.
“We are in a economic Hurricane – it will pass. The question is when”

I appreciate the sentiment and hope that some of these ideas will be useful for others. Back to the business of Green.

Miami Green Man, Sebastian Eilert.