Working Freelance in the Recession

Life as I knew it had changed drastically with the drop of the economy.  This is the first recession I have experienced while being employed.  The early 80's recession did not affect me to where I even remember that it was hard times.  Luckily my parents were able to withstand it without making it a family issue that would make me aware of it.

In the early stages of the latest recession, I decided to relocate from a small town in Arkansas to Oregon for a new job with opportunity.  In March of 2007, I made the 2,400 mile trek to Veneta, Oregon.  While the economy was still running foward with no-holds-barred, I was able to dig my feet in, purchase a home and become a seasoned designer for the new company.  The position allowed me to be artistic and professional without becoming boring and tiring.

After 3 1/2 years the recession has run it's toll on the banks and lending for residential projects.  This in turn made it nearly impossible to close home sales for the smaller company specializing in custom panelized homes.  The company had to shut down it's office and run a skeleton crew to try and keep business running.  This is only one of many small companies feeling the crunch from this economy.  Look around.  It's happening everywhere.

As long as I have had my freelance drafting and design service, it has been a part time business that I have kept for nearly 7 years.  I am working to expand my contacts and connections to allow new clientele so that I can take my business full time.  With being new to the area, this is quite a task.  All the while, the lack of construction has lessened the need for services that I offer. 

I have done the no-brainer tasks such as adding a Facebook page, becoming a member on every free business listing online, and stacking business cards at the builder's exchange.  Has anyone else been working through a similar situation?  What have you done?  Any advice?

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