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1. Create “Just Do It” days. You know there are those tasks you hate to do. Perhaps billing? Catching up on your Quickbooks? Updating your website? Whatever those tasks are that you hate doing, make time. Dedicated a morning, afternoon, or entire day once a week or once a month to doing nothing but that task you must accomplish. That’s the life of an entrepreneur. You’ve gotta do whatcha gotta do.

2. Outsource. Are you making so much money that you can afford to outsource a task rather than set aside “Just Do It” time? By all means outsource! Call an accountant or web designer to do the work for you. Just one little thing: please outsource to another small business owner like yourself. It’s always nice to pay it forward and help other small women-owned businesses succeed.

3. Activate the signature settings on your email account. Sick of always signing your name and phone number and business name and address on every email? Activating the automatic signature settings will save you lots of time. Many providers even allow you to upload your company letterhead for a professional and polished look.

The Wall Street Bull
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The good news is that consumer demand still exists. Americans are still lining up for the rides at Disneyland and the slots in Las Vegas. The lines at Costco are long as people continue to purchase those irresistible impulse items on display. Sundays at the mall are still packed with Americans, shopping bags in hand. Concerts are still packed.

People still need to care for and protect their valuable assets. They are still spending money on services. Americans will continue to send their children to soccer and daycare, hire a repair person, cleaner, and yard maintenance crew. The majority are still renewing their gym and zoo memberships.

Despite all the layoffs, there are still people who have jobs and are doing just fine. Money is still flowing and spending is still happening. Wall Street is still open and companies are still trading. There is no doubt some Americans have tightened their wallets, but these same people are still out looking for great deals that will save them money. Saving money does not mean they will not buy something on impulse.

As an entrepreneur and small business owner, it is up to you to pinpoint demand and come up with the latest valuable product or service to meet a need. Be creative and think about how you can take full advantage of the economy. Here are a few suggestions:

Think: Europe. The Euro is still very strong and European consumers are looking towards the United States to spend money and vacation.

Think: small business. Many small and medium businesses are still doing really well. Think about a product or service they need.

Think: big business. With all the layoffs, companies are looking to save money by cutting costs on many levels. As an entrepreneur, think about a product or service you can offer that would save them money while making you money.

Think: recently unemployed. This crowd does not have a steady paycheck, but they are still spending some money. What service or product will make their lives easier and save them a bundle?

Think: currently employed. Not everyone has been affected by the economy. Many are still receiving paychecks and remodeling their homes. How can you tap into this wealth?

There’s a very interesting article on CNN Money about entrepreneurs and small biz entitled “Everyone wants to start a business.” While the article might assume a bit too much about the American business spirit (I know quite a few who have no aspirations to be self-employed) and the assuming attitude can be quite obnoxious at some points, it is an interesting read with good points nevertheless.

I do believe that the number of small businesses will continue to increase with the current economic situation in the US. Large corporations firing at will and going bankrupt are not giving many people much choice than to go out on their own. Raise your American flag because these are the highlights:

• “Almost everyone” in the US wants to own a business from teens to college students to those over 65 and even recent immigrants. (Yes, people from all ages and backgrounds, but not everyone)
  

• Sixty-six percent of respondents in a 2006 Yahoo Small Business and Harris Interactive survey said they wanted to start a company someday; 37% of those said they hoped to do so within the next five years. (Biased? Don’t small biz owners tend to read Yahoo Small Business?)
  

• All these nascent businesses require services, technology, and expertise – demands that have launched an echo boom of small businesses seeking to serve other small businesses. Gourab Nanda, 34, suggests you “identify your customers, provide the services, and keep prices low.” (This guy has simple, yet excellent advice for succeeding in today’s economy. I couldn’t have said it better).
  

• Entrepreneurs are more likely to get involved in their communities, through service on elected and appointed boards and other types of volunteer work. And they lead the nation in charitable donations. (It’s called NETWORKING)
  

• Innovative entrepreneurs may help keep the country afloat in a time of global uncertainty. (We are the force of positive change!)
  

• Michael Dell said in a recent interview, “Many nations have capital, many nations have smart people, but no nation really compares to the U.S. in terms of its willingness to accept risk takers in society.” (I have heard that it is easier to be a small business owner in the US than in many other countries)