Look for ways you can send some of your work to freelancers. With many companies laying off skilled people, there is no shortage of experts who are willing to help you by job or hour. Your small business can indirectly benefit from training larger companies spent billions on.

3. Concentrate on your core and jettison rest. Every business or professional has key products and services that are their main moneymakers. Look for ways you can emphasize your bread winners.

Get rid of tasks that don't make you money. If you can't see it turning a profit in near future, don't let expense drag you down.

Finally, don't believe all hype you hear. The media love to take a bad story and make it sound worse. If they get some information that business is struggling, they do what they can to make it sound like an unmitigated disaster. Of course, we can't lay all blame on news organizations. These are kinds of stories public likes.

The reality of situation is things are never as bad as they sound. No matter how tough things get, there are always opportunities. You can keep your dream alive if you continue to believe and persevere.

Did you hear true story about guy who made a fortune selling rugs on Afghan border? That is probably most desolate and troubled place in world. If he can succeed there, I have no question you and I can do well wherever we are.

-- Make sure there is a code of ethics. In same vein, ask if members provide references before they join. Remember, you're making referrals. Your name is on line. You need to know that other people in group are reputable, too.

-- Find out who is running group. What kind of experience do they have with this type of organization? Do they provide training on networking strategies and techniques? What other kinds of support are provided? What is there reputation in community? Is it run by salaried professionals, full timers, or by people with other occupations, out for their own leads? Is it organized by people who understand local business community or run from out-of state or province? Have there been any complaints lodged against them with Better Business Bureau?

-- Figure out what you can contribute to other members and to group itself. That's right. It's all about giving. The more you give, more you'll get. It's a simple law of nature: what goes around comes around.

-- Are you prepared to work hard for others? If all you do is attend meetings and sit with your arms folded across your chest wondering where your leads are, you're wasting your time. You're also probably creating a very negative impression.

-- Do people in group seem to be of like mind? If you don't feel an attraction to other members, you probably should keep searching for a group comprised of people with similar philosophies.

-- How long has group been operating?

-- Does it feel like a good fit?--does it just feel right?

Once you've selected a group, DO NOT even THINK about joining another structured leads exchange group with only one person per occupation in it. If you do, members of each group will wonder where your loyalty is. For example, if there is an accountant in each group and you have a lead for an accountant, who are you going to give it to?

Once you join a group, work system, and system will work for you. You will form long lasting business and personal relationships built on mutual trust and respect. You'll learn a lot from other members, and...you'll have a lot of fun in process!

Leni Chauvin is a professional and personal success coach and an internationally recognized expert in building business through referral networks. Her proven methods of generating qualified leads have led to millions of dollars worth of referral business for her clients. Web: http://www.superstarnetworking.com E-mail: mailto:leni@superstarnetworking.com To subscribe to Leni's FREE e-mail newsletter, mailto:NetworkingGazette-On@lists.webvalence.com