If you're involved in a small business you probably have an opinion about what may come to it in 2009 as a result of the new administration. Regardless of the current economic challenges there are opportunities in your business, and you can learn to find them. We can all safely make the assumption that a lot is going on in the minds of all of our customers, and it might just be a fact that our products and services are not on the top of their list. Do you know what they are thinking about? If you don't, you should. if you want to survive and thrive in this economy it's time to get serious about meeting their needs.

As a motivated entrepreneur or business leader, in the back of your mind you know that using the economy as an excuse for flagging sales is akin to using crutches for a scrape on your knee. Like a scrape, in this competitive business environment you need to stop the bleeding and keep moving as fast as you can, or someone else will. If you are hobbling along on crutches and licking your scratch you may never get back in the game. It may still be painful to move, buy failure to do it may be disastrous to your business. If you aren't able to start paying attention to how you can start or get better at meeting the real needs of your customers you may be the next in line looking for a bailout.

Will 2009 Be the End of Small Business?

There is a prevailing opinion of small business owners is that the upcoming New Year will not smile on their endeavors. If promises are kept and the bailouts continue, which undoubtedly they will, and the so called middle class receive tax breaks and benefits, where will the money come from? Small business owners fear that it will come in large part from them, placing a heavier tax burden than the already too-high tax burdens they bear. So what to do if this happens? This month we've got a great idea for your business. Are you ready? Here it is. Turn whatever you are doing into a cash business and spread your wealth in coffee cans around your house. Okay, we're only half-kidding, but it is important to prepare your business for what may come in 2009.

If you are a small business struggling in the middle of this economy it's time to focus intently on whether or not your business plan is working. Be honest, is it really working or is it time to look at new opportunities and strategies? While a business plan should be focused on both the short and long term, it should not handcuff you to the broken airplane as it plummets toward the earth. Don't let the way you've always done business prevent you from escaping a crash. You may need a new strategy. True change is coming, and you may want to take some of your down time this holiday season to reevaluate your business plan for the New Year.

So how will you deal with the coming change? Because of the additional pressure that will come as a result of a potentially higher tax burden many will want to deal with it by throwing in the towel. On a more extreme level, some have joked that they are tempted to sell their business assets, get out, and retire in lavish comfort in some other country. Maybe they aren't joking!  This is the reality of the various buzz we are hearing. If you are one of those that are determined to hang in and muscle through this term, evaluation and preparation are necessary now more than ever.

Start your evaluation with a hard look at some of the things your customers are thinking about. As a reminder, they are thinking about losing their jobs, losing their savings, delaying their retirements, losing their homes, dealing with post-traumatic election disorders, war, healthcare issues, news of biological warfare attacks, and an array of other challenges and fears they face. Chances are good your business touches these issues in some form or fashion, and you need to get your products and services to where they are wanted and needed.

So what are you doing to meet these needs? If you think closely and act creatively you will find opportunity in paying attention to the details of how your business can adjust and reach out to your current or potential customer base. Your plan on how you are going to reach these wants and needs will determine the level of success you will create for your business in 2009 and beyond.

Save The Earth!

Okay, that may be a little dramatic, but during this holiday season let's remember to be responsible for our environment and recycle our waste. It's easy and fun to do, and every small item you throw into your recycle bin is a large step towards helping our earth stay green. Here in Hampton Roads TFC Recycling is leading the charge in recycling. TFC Recycling has a history that goes back to 1897 as a leader in the collection, processing and marketing of recyclable materials and managing of solid waste in New York, Virginia and North Carolina through innovative material recovery. Visit www.TFCrecycling.com and learn how you can be a part of the excitement and how you can do your part to be responsible for your environment.

For more information just visit www.TFCrecycling.com.

Join Bull & Crowley MediaWorks in support of the Wounded Marine and Family Assistance Program this holiday season. A very small gift will go a long way in saying “thank you” to someone who has sacrificed so greatly for our country.

Visit www.woundedmarine.com for information on how you can help.