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The Great Recession is slowly receding away, at least judging by the bonuses being paid on Wall Street this year. However, for the rest of America; the recession is decidedly not moving away fast enough.

Have no fear; as the old saying goes “when one door closes, another opens.” And if that’s not the case: Then smash the door down and make opportunity come calling!

Without any more introduction, ten ways for businesses of any and all sizes to boost sales whatever the economic climate might be (In No Particular Order)….

1. Develop Real Connections – People want to feel that they matter; they’re important. It is as simple as remembering names, interests, family activities, etc. Focus entirely on connecting with clients and potential clients and watch repeat business skyrocket.

2. “Slow is Smooth, and Smooth Is Fast” – This is a training aid from the US Army; it specifically deals with room clearing, but is applicable to sales. The premise is this: Rushing leads to mistakes. Mistakes take too much time to fix. Focus on doing the job right, on quality; and the rest will fall into place beautifully.

3. Learn To Say No - While the customer might always be right; they often don’t know how to articulate what they want. Saying “no” brings a level of honesty to the conversation that is too often lost in today’s world. No product can do everything; why spoil a customer by giving them everything they want, or worse disappointing them when something fails to deliver?

4. Take A Page From History – Tacticians, philosophers, generals and diplomats have been thinking and writing about strategy, victory and success since time began. Read them and learn from them. Sun Tzu and Machiavelli are excellent places to start. Both stress preparation and innovation as the key to victory.

5. Never Fear Failure – America is too obsessed with not failing. Failure is the natural risk that comes with attempting anything worthwhile. Be willing to try new ideas at work; be it a new marketing campaign, sales technique, or restaurant for lunch! If the new idea fails, then dissect it and learn from it. There are only two mistakes one can make in business: not attempting new ideas, and not learning from mistakes.

6. Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up! - Whether a sale is positive, negative or in between; a follow up call or email boosts ones credibility. Make it sincere, genuine and brief. Mention one or two points from the initial meeting and close with a “Thank you.”

7. Find Balance – Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is the key to staying happy and healthy. Happy and healthy individuals are more confident, calm, and relaxed. And As such, are more productive and successful.

8. Embrace Identity – Apple is the best at consumer electronics, IBM builds the best business computers on the planet, nobody does burritos better than Chipotle. The question that each and every company must answer is “What do we do better than anyone else?”

9. Make Contact! – Send out letters, print flyers, pick up the phone! Invest in research and marketing. Knowledge is the key to success, visibility ensures it. Budget tight? Then rework it too afford solid research and market analyses. Second tip: Contact local graphic design colleges for recent graduates or outstanding seniors as potential candidates for marketing design. New to the market, driven and talented is the perfect mix for innovative ideas on a budget.

10. Give Back – Donate time, money, resources or services to local charities. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved; businesses help charities better the community at large, and charities advertise and recommend those businesses who support them. A great social reputation is the best form of advertising currently available to companies.