Six Ways Small Businesses Can Survive In A Crazy Economy

by Denise O'Berry

Contrary to popular belief, small businesses can survive a crazy economy by taking some proactive steps.

1 - Provide spectacular customer service -- every time. Have a friend or colleague visit your business and provide feedback from a customer's perspective. This person should be unknown by your staff and willing to provide a candid assessment.

2 - Make sure your front and back office work like a well-oiled machine. Are the front line and the back office telling your customers the same thing?

3 - Manage your customer relationships -- return customers take the least amount of effort -- use that to your advantage. Keep in touch often.

4 - Review your strategic plan monthly (weekly is even better). Make sure you're doing the things that will get you where you want to go.

5 - Adjust your strategic plan as necessary. Your "smallness" makes you more flexible.

6 - Communicate, communicate, communicate -- with your employees and your customers. Nurture those relationships. Ask for feedback often.