I recently had a conversation with a successful business owner about surviving the current economy. We both agreed that there is business to be had, but in these times, a little hustling is in order.

Reaching out to potential clients through innovative marketing, increased networking, restructuring prices, cutting expenses, and other actions can increase profits even in a down market.

A local plastic surgeon, has cut his prices and told me that he had his best month ever in September. He was willing to compromise, and has benefited from his actions.

I recently announced a coaching sale and for my website and services, am offering payment terms that I didn’t in the past. The result is a win-win: I am increasing my client base and profits, and more people are able to benefit from my services.

Wal-Mart recently announced higher-than-expected earnings for the third quarter, not because of increased consumer spending but because they reduced their expenses and inventories — their version of hustling.

The new reality is that people who are willing to work smarter and be proactive are the ones who will thrive and prosper no matter what the economic conditions. Consumers are becoming more conscious about their spending and anyone who offers products or services has to offer great value in order to survive. And this is a good thing.

If you are an entrepreneur or solo practitioner, rather than bemoaning what’s going on if your business is affected by the current economy, this is a time for you to take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and be creative about your marketing. It’s also a time to pay very good attention to your finances, carefully watching your expenses and your spending.

For those of you who are in the job market, you may have to pay more attention to the job you’re doing to make sure that your work stands out and that you excel. You have to do a bit of hustling too.

One thing is for sure: this is not a time to sit back and wait for the economy to turn around. This is the time to be in action mode, to expand your horizons and learn new skills, and develop healthy financial habits. This is a time of great opportunity, and I hope you will find the motivation to take advantage of the energy of change.

So get out there and do the hustle!

If you need someone to help you work through whatever is keeping you from moving forward, read about my End-of-Year Coaching Sale in the next item.

End-of-Year Coaching Sale

Don’t let your unresolved money issues lead to overspending, debiting, and poor money management during the upcoming holiday season. This is the time when people often get off track financially and have to deal with even more financial pain when the new year starts. Get yourself ready for a prosperous 2010 by clearing some of your hard-to-understand issues and working through to a new earning level.
Read more about it at ProsperityPlace.com