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If you've been a writer for any period of time, you know that sometimes are busy as can be – and other times you might spend your days dusting off your desk. In any case, the current recession time is an uneasy one for anyone who is self-employed. However, instead of worrying about your work prospects, it's time to think about ways you can make your business stronger than ever. After all, writing is a skill everyone needs right now – and you're more than happy to provide it.

The Calm Before the Storm

The best possible position you can be in right now is one in which you still have some work, but you might not be overwhelmed. This will help your confidence levels as well as your bank account. Ideally, you should have tried to save money before these drier times began, helping to keep you from cutting your bills too close in a down time. It's recommended that you have about two month's worth of extra money in your accounts to help keep you going strong.

Cutting Costs Today

However, even if you don't have money put away, you can do a lot to cut costs right now. A few of the ways you can cut costs include: • Downgrading to dial up service – If you have DSL or a Cable modem right now, you might want to trim your costs by looking to dial up for internet access again. Or try using the free wireless internet options at local cafes and your local library. • Don’t invest in new machinery – While the prices might be tempting right now, try not to invest in anything new for your office right now. Of course, if something breaks, then you NEED to replace it, but upgrading to the latest gizmo should not be on the agenda right now. • Reuse your paper supply – If you like to print out website content in order to help with writing articles, try using both sides of your printer paper before you recycle it. This way, you can double the paper efficiency and cut costs that way.

Increasing Your Clientele

Another good way to keep yourself afloat right now is to send your resume and writing samples to as many people as possible. And no matter what a person offers you (within reason, of course), take it. The more you accept work, the more you will find you can find work. And word will get out that you are available and ready to take on any assignments you can. Just make sure you're sending out at least 10 resumes or bids each and every day – and you'll be surprised at how much of a response you will get. As you are doing this, however, do not change your prices. While you might be tempted to adjust your pricing scheme, this will only come back to haunt you when the economy does turn around. Instead, simply stick to your normal rates and you'll be surprised at what people will continue to pay you. Right now, writing is still a valuable skill as more people turn to the Internet to boost their business profits. You can be the one to help them bring their business back to life – while keeping your writing business steady through the choppiest of seas.