There's no doubt this new era of Austerity is starting to bite into many businesses - especially those of us who are in businbess to business. Here are my 3 A's to Manage Austerity.

They are Awareness, Agility and Ability. There's a lot in each A but here's a starter for you.

AWARENESS - What are you doing about knowing what is goiung on in the business world and especially in the sectors in which your clients operate. What are their challanges and where's your opportunity. Subscribe to online news feeds to keep up to date. And at the same time start a Comp Set of your top 5 competitos and monitor them!

AGILITY - You may have, like us, to change or tweak your business model or think differently. Carillion, the big construction company, realises that road building funding is halting so they are biudding to Maintain rather than Build roads. Where do you need to be more nimble?

ABILITY - Is it time to sharpen your skills to have the ability to win business. Perhaps improve upon your presentation or negotiation skills. And don't forget to look at how you are seen or perceived by your customers. Are you giving them confidence in you?

Does this help as a starter?