I am not an economist, but I have noted that there is a cautious buzz suggesting that we might be at the bottom of this economic slowdown.

As a business owner and a consumer, I’m thrilled! Of course, there are many long, tough months ahead as we hopefully dig ourselves back out of this hole, but at least there is some hope.

Now is the time to focus on how you can take advantage of the slow economy for both yourself and your business. Even if you only have a tiny financial cushion left after the last 12 tight months, now is the time to use it! Here are some options to consider:

1. Services are cheaper – although it’s not universal, most service providers are more flexible with their rates – and may have even dropped their rates. Just like all businesses, service providers are anxious to do some great work for you to help boost their bottom line, and you can probably get lower rates and shorter terms

2. Labor is available and cheaper – the labor market is hungry for work, and many stellar employees have been laid off. Now is a great time to fill critical positions in your own company in preparation for increased business.

3. Rents are totally negotiable – if you have ever thought about expanding your physical space, now is a great time to do it. Many retail, office and warehouse locations have been vacant for 10+ months. Assume that the rate and terms offered are much higher than you should actually pay, and bring in a seasoned negotiator to help you if necessary.

4. Your competitors are still scared – the single greatest opportunity for you right now is to take advantage of your competitors’ lowered spending. They have likely pulled back on everything from advertising to customer service, and their customers know it! Now is the time to swoop in and impress everyone with your strength and moxie: show them that your business is still around and doing great!

My friend knows how much I love to file with the Freedom Filer system. She was sick and tired of all the paper clutter she had in her home so she came to me and bought the system this week. As we were talking she shared this experience with me:

They had their kitchen tiled and were very happy with the job that was done until a few months later when the grout began to come out. They want to contact the man who did it but their dilemma now is that they don’t know what they did with the man’s contact information. She realizes if she had had a working filing system she would know exactly where to find his information. (It would be in the orange category under Service Providers if she used the Freedom Filer system). It is just that simple.

A good filing system by color and category saves so much time, frustration, money and emotional trauma. If you don’t have a place for every piece of paper that comes into your home I suspect you have a lot of clutter or at the very least a certain amount of frustration when looking for important papers.

My organizing tip of the day is to set up a working filing system, get rid of paper clutter in your home, start slow when doing this and enjoy the journey which will lead you to a more peaceful life. (Sorry if that sounds corny—it is true).

Marilyn Bohn is an energetic, lively, compassionate, hard working and creative organizer. She was born to organize! Before becoming a professional organizer she worked professionally in diverse environments. She is involved in her community, providing her clients with a broad base of experience and knowledge.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).