Savvy entrepreneurs don’t let the economic downturn stop them.  Instead, they seize the opportunity to learn, stretch themselves, and breakthrough barriers while others struggle.

Here are 3 ways to succeed, and even outperform, in this challenging economic climate:

1) Be an original, not a copy.

“Every man (and woman) is born an original, but sadly most die copies” ~Abraham Lincoln

A common mistake many business owners make is they try to mimic those who have preceded them or those around them.  This no longer works in the current business world.  You need to STAND OUT and SHINE in some area of your business, so your ideal clients are attracted to you over the competition.

How can you stand out?  Highlight your unique experiences?  Create a “premiere signature system”?  Develop more personalized service?  Offer a one-of-a-kind package? Work with your business coach to create your distinction and become an original.

2) Seize new opportunities.  Recessions may slow spending habits, but it doesn’t stop them.  Needs may be altered, but they still exist.  What do people want today and how can you meet that need?

As an example, business coaches are realizing that many others in the coaching world are saturated with information on how to grow their business.  However, opportunities abound in other untapped industries that are really struggling with how to accelerate their business.   My top business coach clients are finding NEW clients in NEW niches.

3) Flex your flexibility muscles. Too many entrepreneurs want a magic ball to gaze into and …presto… the instant answers to rich success!  It doesn’t work that way.  Don’t let yourself get stuck with that self-sabotaging mindset.

Instead, be willing to try out innovative ideas, test the results, and then evaluate whether you should tweak the ideas, continue the ideas as they are, or try out something else.

Stop following the herd.  By becoming an original, seizing new opportunities, and remaining flexible, you position yourself to SUCCEED, even in a struggling economy.