How are you going in these current economic times?

A great number of small businesses are finding the going tough. And for some couples in business, especially those who both work in their business full-time, it could be a very difficult and scary time.

So here’s 10 of our tips for tough times.

1. Give yourselves permission to be great. Instead of shrinking, think big! You’ll be surprised at the new ideas that you can come up with just by giving yourselves this permission.

2. Take a closer look at yourselves and clearly define your offerings and your target market. Re-define them if need be. The clearer and more authentic you are, the more attractive you will be to clients.

3. Study and research your target market, but only after you have done point 2.

4. Complement your partner and work on, and with, your strengths.

5. Get help on the things you need help with. Don’t let it fester.

6. It’s not a question of whether you can afford a mentor or a coach, the question is whether you can afford not to have one.

7. Surround yourself with people who will support you in your endeavour emotionally, financially and business-wise.

8. Prioritise. Make good use of your time – you only have a limited amount of it.

9. Systemise, systemise, systemise.

10. Make sure you’re doing what you love or loving what you’re doing. If you’re not, you are more likely to give up when times are tough.

No, running your own business is not easy. It’s not meant to be easy. It’s meant to be fulfilling.

©2009 Henry Chow and Marissa Carlos