These tumultuous months are an inflection point in history. The economy will recover, but the landscape of banking and business has been permanently altered. In many ways, this is the beginning of the economic 21st century, just as 9/11 was the dawn of the geopolitical 21st century.

For those who can remain flexible and navigate change, it's a great time to be a solo entrepreneur. And when times are just a bit slow, experimentation can regenerate creative energies and lay the groundwork for great things ahead. Here are four ways to make the most of the holes you may find in your schedule these days:

1. Expand your curiosity.
Learn a new skill, with no set boundaries on whether it's work-related or not. It might be how to speak Portuguese, play the violin, or make the perfect souffle. Make it a stretch. You'll discover new aspects of yourself in the process.

2. Indulge an interest.
Similarly, find a passion that you abandoned. Perhaps you left it behind because of time, or you didn't think it was practical. It may only be a few hours a week, but chances are high that it will positively impact your business in some way -- although you can't see that right now.

3. Build relationships.
Remember how you couldn't attend professional gatherings or spend time with colleagues because you were too busy? It's the perfect time to reconnect with former colleagues -- for the networking benefits as well as the social satisfaction.

4. Push your comfort zone.
Go ahead, try something new in your business that you were hesitant -- or too busy -- to do before. A new marketing tactic? New product or service? A blog? Twitter? Small risks can open up new ways of thinking.

There's no use waiting for the economy to rebound -- it's not coming back. A new one is being born, and soloists are an integral part of it.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com