No question about it, our economy is going through a tough spell. But not everyone is hurting. Many businesses make big gains during times like these.

Just check Fortune 500 for major companies that started in somebody's garage during Great Depression, or during horrible recessions of 1970s, or during downturn of early 90s.

Good ideas and hard work flourish no matter what economy looks like. Here are three simple ways to help you succeed no matter what.

1. Cut costs now! Look for little purchases you can do without. Try to cut down on non-essential services that bill you each month. Cutting even a few small items can quickly add up to big savings. You can count those savings as increased profits or simply more cash flow to help you keep doors open when sales are slow.

By same token, don't do without products and services that are essential to your success. You don't want to throw baby out with bath water.

You can work an asset harder to make it produce a bigger profit. I often think we could do without some of web hosting services we buy. But then it occurs to me how we can use all those nice web features to better serve our customers and pull in more sales. Use use what you have with more intensity and efficiency.

Because I believe that one of best venues for developing strong referral relationships is at a leads exchange group, and because of my roots in that arena I am asked all time about different groups and how to select "right" group. This is what I always say:

-- Talk to members and ask: Is there a large turnover rate?--why? Is it producing results or is it just a koffee klatch? What do they like/dislike about group? What have they learned since joining? How, besides receiving leads, have they benefited? Do they feel their best interests are being looked after?

-- Look at fees. How do fees compare with traditional methods of advertising? Ask yourself if it is cost effective,--not, "is it expensive?" Everyone seems to know cost of things, but not their value.

-- Consider group's structure. Some people like structure, some don't. The structured groups, which usually meet weekly, and allow only one person per occupation to join, tend to produce most results, and keep members focused on finding qualified leads for one another. Consider if structure suits your personality. Will you be able to adhere to rules and regulations? -- Check to see if there is an opportunity for you to take on a leadership role. This is really important as it gives you chance to show off how you do things. You will be seen as a leader and a good source of leads, which, in turn, will bring leads to you. Do an amazing job as a volunteer, and people will assume you'll do an amazing job in your professional life, too.

-- Be honest about your level of commitment. Will you be able to attend meetings regularly? Regular attendance is important for two reasons. First, it gives you opportunity to reinforce who you are and what you do over and over again so that when someone in group is in market for your product or service, you will be first person they think of. Secondly, regular attendance shows you care about OTHER members and their business growth. If you're not there to hear presentations of other members, what kind of a signal do you think you're sending? Remember, Networking Superstars (tm) go to these meetings to GIVE. Go with that attitude and you'll be on receiving end in no time.