‘Recession Recovery’ help for small businesses

Small businesses can help beat the recession with a few cost-effective moves.

"Anything that you can reduce from your costs goes straight to the bottom line," said Michael McDermott of Henrico County, author of "The 2009-2011 Recession Survival Guide: 414 Actions Businesses Can Take to Weather the Storm and Boost Profits."

In a recession, "it's important for your business to be the low-cost competitor," said McDermott, who also volunteers as chairman of Richmond SCORE's Small Business Turnaround Team. "When your costs are lower, when you need to, you can cut your prices."

McDermott, owner of Enterprise Tune-up (http://www.enterprisetune-up.com) in Henrico, will be the keynote speaker Wednesday at a "Recession Recovery" workshop hosted by Welborne United Methodist Church, 920 Maybeury Drive.

He will discuss how to fight the recession through cost-cutting, cash-flow improvement, guerrilla marketing and selling products internationally.

In addition, he will discuss how small businesses can't compete with Wal-Mart, so they should improve their services or offer other benefits. "One of the things you can offer is a satisfaction guarantee, or offer services that Wal-Mart doesn't offer," he said.

The workshop, which costs $30, runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Parking is free, and refreshments will be served. Capacity is 25; register by calling (804) 740-7128. -- Iris Taylor