What is one area of your business which would really benefit from change? Why not repackage what you’re offering or even step back and re-model your business either slightly or dramatically. We often cling to old ways, even if these are detrimental to our business just because it seems harder to change. But change is inevitable and more receptive you are to changes in economy at moment, more likely you are to find a successful way through it.

What’s missing from your business which, if you had it, would help you through recession? Passion, belief, intensity, commitment, focus or any number of things. Focusing on what’s important and what produces results is your priority now. This may call for adapting and changing your approach.

If you buy into this recession, you’re likely to see your business go that way. What you think about is what you manifest and you need to be aware of where you’re focusing your attention. If your concentrate on worst that can happen - guess what? The worst will happen. However, when you focus on improving, being effective, learning new ways of doing business - guess what? Your business will likely succeed.

A great way to move your business forward in a potential recession is to take your thinking out of box. Let yourself be challenged to look at your business in a different way, brainstorm ideas and focus on taking necessary action. A coach can be your confidential partner, your sounding board, someone who really believes in you and challenges you to be your best.

You can choose to take actions, drawing on your inner strength and harnessing your own unique potential.

Pack Carefully If an item arrives broken or damaged, you'll have to replace damaged item or refund customer's money. If you replace, you'll incur costs of additional shipping and handling.

Pack at least two inches of filler material around each item. Use more if items are delicate. Place your items in robust boxes. For international shipments, seal your packages with pressure-sensitive or water-activated tape.

Negotiate Better Rates Once you have an established relationship with your carrier, negotiate better rates for shipping and handling. Tell them you're comparison shopping for best prices. You'll get their attention if you're a regular customer. You can pass savings along to your own customers. Be sure to present your good S&H rates as a benefit.

Check out Competition Try to discover S&H rates that your competition is charging. If you can come in under their price, you'll want to make sure your customers know savings they'll enjoy by ordering with you.

Reward Good Customers Offer a discounted price in S&H to customers who place large orders or to customers who buy regularly. One online company, for example, offers 15% reduction in shipping and handling costs to customers who make a monthly purchase for four consecutive months.

Pick Best Payment System Shipping companies typically offer a variety of payment methods. You might choose among pre-paid shipping, online purchasing or payment by credit and debit card. Your businesses' bookkeeping system will influence your payment decision.

Avoid Overnight Shipping If possible, avoid overnight shipping. Be sure your employees are aware of costs associated with overnight shipping so they don't promise overnight delivery unless necessary.

And lastly, if you are taking orders over Internet, your customers have come to expect order tracking to be available. Consider adding that feature to your web site. If you're outsourcing, you might add a link to your service's web site. ================================================ How to Write Business Plans, Business Proposals, JV Contracts, Human Resource Package, More! No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce". Business Writing by Nightcats Multimedia Productions http://www.nightcats.com ================================================