Each day, new data is released in the United States that deepens the gloom and doom surrounding the current “economic recovery.” In the past week we have learned:

• Job openings are at a record low — there are 50% fewer than in 2007
• More homeowners are struggling as option ARMs reset higher
• Approximately one-third of all mortgage holders have a loan balance that’s higher than the current value of their home
• Cities and states are still struggling to find ways to balance their budgets
• People are using far less credit and are saving more, which is great for them, but slows the economy which depends on consumer spending
• Although the unemployment rate is 10%, the number of people who are either unemployed, underemployed, or have given up looking reaches more than 17% of the working-age population
• Qualified people who are finding work are often accepting lower salaries than they earned before they were laid off. 

The signs of economic struggle go on and on as fear and worry spread.

Here’s something odd: Most solo-business owners I talk to are doing ok. Their size allows them to be flexible and adaptable to change, so they are altering their products and services to fit the current economic enviroment. Many are turning this into an advantage.

For example, I decided a while back to create a custom Website product that was much less expensive than anything developers have been offering. I found a way to make it work for me and even offer financing so that people can get started in a professional way with a minimum investment.

The goal was to fill a need for the tens of thousands of people who don’t have the technology background but know they need to get online to extend their reach in the marketplace. It’s a win-win and is congruent with my mission of helping people thrive financially. As a result, my business is flourishing.

The key is to understand that:

• Every problem has a solution. You just have to find it.
• For every situation, there are infinite possibilities — if you are open to them
• Sitting still and doing nothing will get you nowhere
• What existed a few years ago is not coming back
• Isolating never works. It helps to reach out and network with others in an authentic way.

Here’s an inspiring article from Reader’s Digest about Recession Success Stories.

Perhaps it’s time for you to consider starting a venture of your own so you can thrive too.

Resources:
New Entrepreneurs Package: Starting Your Own Business and Marketing Your Microbusiness.
Sotkin Web: Affordable Websites and Internet Marketing for the Technologically Challenged.