Summary: Just say "No" to the Recession! Others may be having money troubles and financial setbacks, but that doesn't mean you too have to be a victim. So, while others lose money in the recession, you can make money. Follow the steps in this article and start making money -- even during a recession.

Making money during a recession requires self-discipline, fortitude, and a winning strategy. If you want to earn money during tough economic times, follow these steps...

1. Rise Above the Recession

A recession can be devastating. Not only can it cause financial problems, but...even worse...it can wreak havoc emotionally. In order to make money during a recession, you must rise above the emotional turmoil it can cause. Only then will you have the clear head needed to survive and thrive during tough financial times.

How do you rise above the recession? Learn to analyze it rather than simply react to it. In fact, this is helpful advice for any crisis. Those who have fought cancer successfully, for example, will tell you that they did so by tackling it head-on and with a clear head, rather than allowing it to overwhelm their thoughts and emotions. Don't let your emotions run wild. Analyze the economy like you would a chess game. Be deliberate. Be calm. Be determined.

2. Study Supply-and-Demand

As you study the economy, pay close attention to the supply-and-demand dynamic. It's the underlying foundation to any economy. For instance, the main reason why the auto manufacturers are teetering on the edge of collapse is simply because the DEMAND for their products isn't sufficient to meet their supply. As a result, the auto companies are losing money. A company can only make money so long as the demand for its products and services pays for the cost of its supplying those products and services -- and does so to the point where it turns a profit.

3. Apply the Supply-and-Demand Concept to Yourself

Once you've studied the economy and understand the nature of supply-and-demand, ask yourself if you are providing the marketplace with enough products and services to, in turn, make enough money to meet your needs and goals. In other words, are you primarily a producer or primarily a consumer? Of course, everyone is a consumer to some extent. We all eat, after all. But some people are primarily consumers and some people are primarily producers. In case you haven't figured it out already, the producers are the ones that make the money. Consumers spend money. If you're primarily a consumer, chances are that you are losing money.

If you want to survive and thrive during a recession, you must become a producer. You must provide products and services that are in demand - and you must do so in a way that earns you enough money to meet your needs and desires.

4. Add Value to Your Employer and Your Customers

If you're an employee and you want to keep your job secure, then start looking for ways to increase your value to your employer. If your employer needs to cut jobs, he or she will first cut those jobs that are not adding to the company's bottom line. Your employer is not in business to pay you a salary and give you health benefits. Your employer exists to make money....period. (This is arguably true, even if your employer is in the non-profit field). So, are you helping your employer make money? If not, you will be among the first to get the pink slip.

If you're a business owner, then this applies to your customers. Are you adding value to your customers? In tough economic times, individuals and families look for things to cut. They will first cut those things that they don't need and/or don't really want. If they think they can do without your products and services, then - when times get tough - you're gone.

The way to keep the money rolling in during a recession is to keep adding value.

5. Cultivate Strong Habits

Finally, it's time for a healthy self-examination. How's your work ethic? Do you just put your time in, collect your paycheck, and go home? Are you a hard worker or do you just do enough to "get by"? Are you punctual? Do you take time off excessively? Are you dependable? Are you trustworthy? Do you gossip? How's your attitude? More importantly...how would others (say your boss or co-workers) describe your attitude?

You'll need to develop a solid work ethic, good time management skills, solid people skills, and other professional habits, in order to enjoy success - especially during tough economic times.

These five steps will transform you into the kind of person who can succeed during a recession. Start making these changes today, and refuse to be a victim during these tough economic times.