The good news: If you can make it in this economy, I believe you can make it happen anywhere and at anytime. Your success during difficult economic times really tells a lot about who you are as a businessperson.

Here are some practical ideas to help you build a stronger business:

1. Don’t grow beyond your means.
Slow and steady really does win the race. If you can’t afford it, don’t go there. This is relevant both in the office and at home.

What you can do: Instead of hiring someone for a couple hours each week, think about the possibility of a high school or college kid taking the work on in exchange for experience, resume building, and a hopefully glowing recommendation.

2. Learn from other people’s success.
Be an observer. Talk to other business owners and keep your eyes and ears open for success stories. Despite a down economy, there are millions of businesses throughout the world doing just fine. Learn from them instead of concentrating on the negative.

What you can do: Ask other small business owners what works and does not work for their businesses. Identify exactly why something clicks for them (personality, industry, financial decisions, etc.) and figure out how you can relate their success to your business.

3. Become more aggressive.
I don’t mean this as something negative. I mean this in a RUN-THE-BEST- MARKETING- CAMPAIGN-EVER type of way. Become more aggressive with your marketing, collecting payments, and saving money.

What you can do: Consult with a trusted outsider who can take a peek at how you do business and make recommendations that will save you money while helping you grow your business.

I highly recommend you check out this New York Times video: Small Business Weathers the Recession

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Passive- You do your best to avoid being the stereotype of a used car sales person. If people want your products or services, they’ll do business with you. When you meet someone who is a potential client, you send them a follow-up email or give them a call and leave the rest up to them. A passive sales person knows how to empathize with the customer and would not want to make any party feel uncomfortable at anytime. You prefer to sit back, do your thing, and let business take its course. Whatever happens will happen.

Watch out: By being too passive, you might be missing out on some big bucks.

Aggressive- You are very comfortable in your sales style and don’t care what people think of you, you’re just doing your job. When you’re making sales, you’re in your element and nothing can hold you back. The more turns at bat, the more opportunities to hit a home run. Sales people were not made to just sit back and leave people alone, being aggressive is the name of the game.

Watch out: By being too aggressive, you might be driving people away.

Suggestions for passive and aggressive sales types- It’s not necessary to be aggressive all the time, but know when you need to switch into aggressive mode to make the sale. Learn to read your clients and give them breathing room when necessary. If someone seriously says they’re not interested, then guess what? They are not interested. Back off. A good sales person sees the benefits for both sides and ensures the sale is a win-win situation. A bad sales person only wants to sell for their own benefit.