SmallBusinessNewz

The Dow's below 12,000 again, and the Nasdaq's not too far away from 2,000; sooner or later, someone important is going to have to call this a recession.  That's not all bad from a small business perspective, though.

Yes, fewer customers are likely to flock to your site or door.  But Scott Shane points out that whatever suppliers you use may also be in a weakened position, and could, as a result, lose some of their bargaining advantage.  See if they'll lower any prices or offer some sort of freebie.

Also, the possibility of fewer customers isn't even a sure thing.  Shane writes, "When customers cut back on their spending, they often substitute one product for another.  For instance, in a recession, people might cut back the number of steak dinners that they eat out."

He then continues, "But, because they still want to treat themselves, they increase their purchase of cheaper foods, like pasta, making pasta a counter cyclical product."  See if some of your products can act in a similar manner.

This recession - if we're ready to believe that's what it is - isn't going to be nice to many companies, however, so don't let up on any other preparations you're making.