Hi Dianna,
Great post. Turns out, I put out my freelance shingle three months into the recession. People ask me, “How’s the recession affecting your business?” and I have to answer “I have no idea!” Because of that, I approach each marketing day with plenty of optimism and, whaddyo know, business is showing up! Reminds me of when I’m eating someone else’s cooking, and before I take a bite, they say something like “I think this is going to be too bland.” Probably, if they hadn’t said anything, I’d have never noticed. And enjoyed the meal much more.
Michael Kelberer
http://www.writingthatmeansbusiness.com

Amen to that. I was just reading this post over at the Brains on Fire blog that complements the hot dog story nicely–a hotel wrote a letter to the recession, and it’s genius!
http://brainsonfire.com/blog/index.php/2009/01/16/recess-is-on/

Belief is a powerful asset. Every business owner has to believe that there are customers who need their products and services. Acclaimed marketer, Seth Godin, recently gave a webcast about the Natural Advantages of Small Business in a Down Market. He reiterated a point many small business owners were probably aware of when they started their businesses – that they have the talent and resources to fulfill needs of customers that larger businesses can’t. I believe that is still true today. Though budgets may be smaller, needs still exist. Ultimately, regardless of company size, it is the nimble business owner who takes the time to talk with his or her customers to understand how he or she can adjust product and/ or service offerings to still meet customer needs, and possibly even the needs of future customers, who will be successful.