Selling during slow periods

For home-based businesses, marketing is an extra challenge because you're off Main Street and often isolated from the flow of the marketplace. The key is to never stop marketing - even when you're busy delivering what you've sold.

One of the reasons sales may be slow is due to a lack of knowledge about your market. If you haven't already done extensive research, do it now. Make sure you know who your best prospects are, where they live, how they like to be reached and how they use your products and services.

Also, tap into networking opportunities. For example, join your local Chamber of Commerce, or other small business organization. Marketing means staying involved in your local business community. Staying active during slow times can keep you focused on business and product development.