The economy sucks. You know it. I know it. So, as a small business owner, this is what I’m not going to do about it:

• I will not introduce any new product… unless it has been well researched and I see that there is a definite demand for it.
• I will not increase my marketing budget. Making more folks aware of my presence will not necessarily increase my sales. Instead I will keep my budget as is and use cheap and creative methods to draw attention.
• On a related note: I will not use the word “stimulus” in any form of advertising. If it hasn’t helped the  economy, it sure as hell isn’t going to help me. I’m so sick of the word that if I see it in an ad one more time I swear I’m going to scream!
• I will not cut my prices. I offer quality goods at fair prices, and will not devalue them (or myself) by price slashing.
• I will not treat my customers like shit. This is, IMHO, the most important. Yet it is the one thing most businesses (large and small) seem to have forgotten. In this economy customers are looking to get the most out of their money. Being treated well is part of it, and being polite doesn’t cost me a dime.