It’s been an awful week for the economy. As a small business owner, we need to be careful not to get caught up in hysteria. “Main Street” which is us, needs to keep moving. Our small businesses that provide services or sell products, and don’t require large amounts of credit, can keep going.

Think about your business and the types of services or products people will continue to use and buy. Let’s reach out and help other small businesses by supporting Main Street.

In Rhode Island last week, Every Company Counts of the RIEDC, put on their annual We Mean Business Expo focusing on resources for people starting businesses and for small companies already in business. Check out our podcasts on the site.

We took some questions from the participants and have been putting them out on The Sassy Ladies Facebook Group and LinkedIn to get ideas from you.

 What is the best way to market my custom embroidered products?

Some ideas include

-put the product on www.etsy.com

 -put ads on www.craigslist.com in your area and other areas

- look for opportunities with companies that silkscreen shirts etc and offer to be a subcontractor to add to their line

-contact a trophy and awards company in your area to see if they want to expand their product line

- Other ideas…write on our blog!

· How do I find a manufacturer to do small sewing, handbags and accessories? (without shipping outside of US)

Some ideas include

-Go on www.thomasnet.com and put in “contract sewing” with your area. You will get a listing of companies that provide that service. You can contact them directly.

-Ask around and look around for locally made products. Contact the company. You may actually be able to get a better deal by combining forces!

-Go to women’s networking groups and stand up and ask your questions!

In times of economic trouble we tend to pull inward. Try to extend outward! Develop new relationships, new opportunities and strategic alliances. Don’t hunker down alone. We're all in this together.