You don’t beat a recession by luck.....

Recessions don’t change the rules, they expose them. If your business is built on shaky ground, it crumbles. If you build on the right principles, downturns actually give you an advantage. Let’s break it down.

1. Stay in Demand

When money gets tight, people cut luxuries first. But they don’t stop needing the basics. Grass still grows. Toilets still clog. Homes still need cleaning. Cars still break down.

Point blank: build your business around a need, not a want.

2. Keep It Simple

High overhead kills in a downturn. If your business only works when the economy is booming, you’re vulnerable. Service businesses are simple — a truck, tools, and consistency.

Rule of thumb: stay lean so you can bend without breaking.

3. Recurring > One-Offs

The businesses that get wiped out rely on one-and-done jobs. The ones that survive set up repeat customers, contracts, or ongoing services.

Translation: make cash flow predictable, even if new leads slow down.

4. Trust Beats Flash

During tough times, people buy from who they trust. Not the flashiest ad, not the cheapest price — but the business they know will show up and do the work.