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I AM . MAGAZINE - SURVING A GLOBAL CRISISI AM . MAGAZINE - 573Cut unnecessary expenses and track cashcarefully. Be aware of confusing unnecessaryexpenses with expenses that will keep yourbrand out there. It is different to cut your%u201coverpriced%u201d morning coffee and replace it witha %u201cbrew it yourself%u201d coffee than to cancel yournetworking meeting although they both costabout the same.45Improve communication with your customers. Itis time to roll a new customer satisfaction plan.Use social media to keep your customersinformed and interested in your products. It is agreat time to educate the consumer on why theyshould choose you over your competitor. Youcan emphasize the benefits of your product andhow it solves the problem at hand. Remember toadd value and not price and keep your producttruthful. Offering to do what it can%u2019t do willcome back to hurt you later on.Network, Network, Network...yes...one moretime. Network is the way to keep your productout there. Collaborate with others to maintainyour product visibly and relevant. As you supportothers in your community they will also supportyou and with community awareness and supportwe can be more successful at surviving a globalcrisis.6Keep enough cash to operate at least4 to 6 months. Minimize expensesthat you can go without and use abarter system with other businessowners to lower your expenses. Youwill be amazed at how many peoplewill be willing to barter to maintaintheir cash flow. Do not be afraid toask. BARTERING IS A WONDERFULSURVIVAL TOOL!Develop 30-day sales goals. Shorterperiods of time are easier to trackand adjust if necessary to meet yourgoals. If a particular program is notgenerating sales you can tweak it to 2help close a sale.