Is a recession coming in 2020? The answer is YES. But by doing things like focusing on recession proof businesses and deepening your relationships, you can weather the economic downturn. We don’t know exactly when the recession will come in 2020, but we know that it will.  So, here are four things you can do to prepare your sales team for the downturn: First, you should condition your clients for referrals. Every time you interact with a client you need to deliver something of value above and beyond the product you offer. By delivering value, you can ask for introductions to specific people in return. Referrals are important when there is a recession coming because once it starts you’re not going to want to invest in advertising and client acquisition. The second thing you should do is to focus on energy, healthcare or government. These are considered recession proof businesses because they’ll always be needed. Start filling your contacts with people who are in these areas. The third thing is to identify new market segments. Every recession gives rise to new opportunity. In the 2008 recession there was opportunity for people who could buy houses and resell them. Look for these segments and start moving toward them before the recession comes.  Lastly, focus on deep relationships. Figure out how you can provide multiple revenue streams for your clients. Think about expanding your service or product line so that you can do everything you can to help them. You don’t need to wonder if there is a recession coming because we know that it is. Instead, think about how you can get more referrals, focus on recession proof businesses, and find new opportunity.  Those are the things that will get you through the recession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices