If you can break even, it's OK. Value your relationships. Be positive. Hans Shaver, Rocklin Class Act Plumbing, Heating & Air

Hold tight. We've been there before, don't over spend and don't over sell. We have a great country and a great economy. Scott Edwards, Granite Bay Work planner

Spend only on the essentials and do what my wife does: clip coupons. Tim Clegg, Loomis Clegg Bros. Cattle Co.

The most important thing is to stay positive, to not get caught up in the negativity and to just continue on how you run your business, knowing it's going to get better some time in the future. Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Granite Bay Director, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies, Sierra College

My way of surviving, first, is to stay thrifty, look for good deals around areas, try to look for best deals for businesses that create a good product for the consumer. Halley Shaver, Rocklin Sacramento State University student

Just a positive attitude. We all have to smile and breathe. Maureen Greenfield, Penryn Foothill Feed & Gift