I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Thinking positive will create positive outcomes,” or something similar.

Uh . . . yeah, whatever.

I am a believer that part of being successful is having a positive attitude, but to create successful outcomes and win in business, you need to do more.

I know times are rough these days not only for entrepreneurs, but for nearly everyone. Gas prices are still hurting businesses, people are afraid of spending too much, credit companies have tightened their lending rules; heck - even here in Las Vegas where there are a number of huge hotels and casinos, jobs are hard to come by.

If you’re a small business owner and struggling to make ends meet, you probably see two options ahead of you: close up shop or try to weather the storm. Of course, times will get better. They always do.

But what do you do while money is tight?

First, don’t get too discouraged. Trust me, I’ve been there DONE that. I’ve been on a good roller coaster ride during my 33 years of life. I’ve made money, lost money, traveled a lot, scraped by just to put food on the table, invested and profited in real estate, lost money in real estate, battled a little depression until I met my wife whose made me a happy man . . . you get the point.

So keep your chin up. It’s just the way life is.

Second is figuring out if you should close up shop or not.

If the passion isn’t there, you might consider liquidating your business or if it doesn’t own many assets, simply close up shop and move on. If, however, you want to keep your business alive, you need to make some hard choices.

I have always preached that we should try to live below our means and not within them (see my article Budgeting 101: A Smart Plan That Keeps You Safe & Allows For Wealth Building). This is very important not only for generating wealth, but just to get by. Don’t over spend what you got, and while you’re at it, don’t spend everything you got as well (i.e. don’t live above or within your means, live below them).

Millionaire Mommy Next Door has some great brainstorms on what you could do to help you get by during times like these.

Also, use this time while things are slow to build your product and brand. Why not? You got time, right? If you own a business and find you don’t have a huge Thanksgiving Platter (as my friend Barbara put it) of work on your to-do list, you’re missing something. I’ve never owned a business and didn’t have a to-do list. Never.

If your business is small enough, consider finding a second job while times are slow, if you can find one that is. Preferably, find one in your business’ trade so you can learn more and make new contacts.

Use this time too, to read books and expand your knowledge in areas of business you’re not strong in.

Maybe part of your problem is you’re lazy. Consider finding a partner who might know a little more than you and push you to keep up.

My point is this.

Times are tough. Staying positive is great, but don’t stop there. Work toward something. Use this slow economic time constructively. If you’re like me, staying busy is what keeps you motivated and away from the gloom of depression.

If your business is slow, how are you utilizing your time? Are you staying positive and are you working toward something? Are you working toward that perfect day?

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