Suggestion from Katrina in Indiana- make new friends, but keep the old ones...

I'm so excited! When I sat down at the computer this morning there were three e-mails from readers. Considering that we launched yesterday, I'm so happy to know that we're already connecting. Welcome!

Today's tip comes from Katrina in Indiana. Katrina and her husband realized their dream of opening their own restaurant four years ago. As local businesses closed due to the economy their business suffered too and eventually closed. Katrina and her husband were able to keep the catering portion of the business open but she says they are driving farther than usual for events and the rising costs of gasoline may force that last remaining portion of the business to close. [sidebar: to find the lowest gas prices in your area visit gasbuddy.com]

Katrina offers this advice "I worked to keep in touch with our regular customers and our suppliers as the business was closing and after it had closed. Our suppliers referred us to other restaurants that needed help and through that avenue my husband found a position as a restaurant manager. That isn't his dream job- running our restaurant was, but it pays the bills and keeps him in the industry. We hope to open a new restaurant in the next three years and I'm working on new recipes and making new contacts in the meantime. I'm also meeting local growers to offer organic products (something we always intended to do but never had time to make happen. I have time now)."

Katrina makes some great points in her e-mail. Though devastated by the loss of their restaurant, they remained in touch with customers and suppliers. That networking availed a job to tide the family over until they are able to reopen or open a new restaurant. Katrina is using this time wisely to make new contacts and to learn more about local growers- both of which will help them in the next venture.

I understand that it may be difficult to call up your former clients or peers or vendors. I encourage you to take that step- networking is how most jobs are found and you never know who might need the very skills that you have. I encourage you to find something to learn or study about during this down time. There may be a certification program that will help you in your next venture that you have the time to take now- take it. If you plan to open a new business in the future take this time to make new contacts and explore new services that you can provide that may separate you from competitors.

Katrina and her family are working toward a future goal while achieving successes in this downtime. That is good advice. Thank you, Katrina!