Good advice...and a good balance between 'do it yourself' and 'get professional help'.

Michael Wilson

Well done! Good follow-up comments also. I've always had the most success when I write it out...notes on a napkin never worked well! The clarity of thought and, I think, another method of reinforcement are probably both important results of actually writing down what you intend to say.

Agreed! It's the right time to strengthen your own business -- only the efficient will survive the difficult times. Keep an eye out for opportunities, whether that is buying a business or adding a product.

I'm in financial services and residential real estate. There are some excellent deals on houses if you have the cash/credit. However, I am advising most of my clients to 'get their own house in order', financially; most people really need to reduce debt and raise credit scores, basic long-term survival skills.