Business was going so well for the gift and jewelry shop Lily Mae's in Wake Forest, that owner Tiffany Brockmann opened a second shop in North Raleigh in April.

"When we started that the economy was still doing pretty good," she said. But now she's trying to build a new customer base as people tighten their budgets during uncertain times.

"It's definitely a little scary, especially seeing some of the larger stores closing, like Linens ‘n Things," said Brockmann.

Brockmann is still optimistic, and is even amping up advertising for the new store to draw in business.

Deidre Hughey, a partner in the business consulting group Dancing Elephants, said now is a strategic time for small businesses to advertise.

"Because everyone else is pulling back, it's very likely you're going to be able to find deals that you couldn't find before in advertising and marketing," Hughey said. "So take advantage of them now."

Hughey said there are also ways to market your business on a budget.

"It takes time, it doesn't cost money," she said. "You can send out your own press releases. You can make sure your events, if you hold events, are put online where people can find them. Blog."

Hughey will be sharing some more tips in a seminar called "Increasing Sales In A Sluggish Economy" at the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce Community Business EXPO.

The EXPO is scheduled for Oct. 28, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Factory in Wake Forest.

For more information, go to http://www.wakeforestchamber.org/calendar.asp.

Related Links

1. Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events