Miracles can happen every day

Just do not stop marketing, on the contrary, be creative and focus on what you do best. Focus on your unique selling points and use them to your advantage to increase business. Can you diversify? Look for opportunities – there is always new business out there. You may even wish to increase certain costs such as marketing in order to boost sales – If you have financial flexibility, you will be able to increase spend in a credit crunch because you will have planned for such, and you will get better deals.

Do not be afraid to ask for help

There is no such thing as a silly question. How often do you speak to your professional advisers? Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice throughout the year. Do not just go at year end, or at the last minute when you really need advice. The sooner you involve your accountant, solicitor, or financial adviser in your affairs, the better they will be briefed for when quick action needs to be taken. They are excellent to bounce ideas around or get a new slant on how you could improve the running of your business. You should keep in regular contact with them especially when markets are tough, but remember they are not just there for difficult times.

Different markets present different opportunities and changing markets will always cause a shift. Look at ways you can make the most of this period of change – how can you get ahead of your competition – what sets you apart? Focus on how and why the market needs your products and services. Protect your business through change and you can ensure healthy profits.

Henry Ejdelbaum is managing director of ASC Partnership