Economy got you down? You’re going over that budget with a fine-toothed comb, looking for places to slice and dice?

Stop! OK, at least slow down. While watching expenses is certainly understandable, don’t make short-term decisions that could cause long-term harm. In other words, don’t abandon advertising, marketing and sales efforts. They, after all, are the foundation for current and future business.

But you say that your competitors are slamming the brakes in these areas. That is an opportunity for your organization to have its message heard loud and clear.

You don’t believe me? Read the words of two people in the business of helping companies like yours grow your business. They are both featured in the current BizVoice magazine.

• Aaron Prickel of Lushin and Associates writes about the approaches needed for selling in a slow economy
• Chris Mahlmann of Valparaiso-based Ideas in Motion cautions about repeating the mistake of cutting back on marketing in tough times