Welcome to Week 4 of our Solo Turn-Around, our month-long look at creating possibilities in any economic environment.

The subtitle of this week's Working Solo Minute could be: Don't Be a Hermit. In times like these, it's tempting to dig into private worlds to learn new skills or clean office closets. While those may improve your business long-term, it's also crucial to reach out and connect so you can generate business quickly. Consider these three areas:

1. Dig Into that Database.
When times are flush, soloists are often too busy with current work to stay in contact with former colleagues or clients. Now is the time to reconnect -- both for your benefit and theirs. Who needs your product or services? Start digging.

2. Create a Following.
In 12 months, you could have a fan club of individuals who are customers, provide feedback on new ideas, and spread the word about you and your work. Begin with those who already know your work, then offer something of true value, in the spirit of helping others. Focus on quality, not quantity. Momentum can begin with as few as ten people, as Seth Godin points out.

3. Connect via Volunteering.
Nonprofits' budgets may be depleted but volunteer hours are up, the media reports. An hour or two a week spent in service at a favorite nonprofit organization is a great way to develop new skills, feed your spirit, and connect with your community. You'll also likely gain some fresh perspective and new contacts.

Over the past few weeks, we've explored different elements of making a turn-around: attitude (giving up the wallowing), SHEDding (clearing the decks of unwanted stuff and habits), and increasing your Learning Quotient. Ready to make some great things happen? Who says there has to be a recession?

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

P.S. To review the earlier Solo Turn-Around tactics in detail, visit the Working Solo Minute online archives.