We pride ourselves on providing top quality sanding products at the lowest possible price and with outstanding customer service. That is why we don't often offer specials or sale pricing, we think it better to provide you with sale pricing all the time. Business has certainly been picking up over the last quarter or two, but it is a challenge to figure out if we are gaining more share of a stable market, or 'rising with the tide' of a general recovery.

The answers to this sort of questioning depend somewhat on you, our customers, are seeing. Is your business growing or at least recovering? Has your business model changed over the last few years, and if so, how? For example, a friend and customer of ours lost his cabinet maker's position back in early 2009, and decided to ramp up his side jobs writing and consulting into a full time venture. His business model changed pretty drastically, but we are happy to report that he is doing quite well and enjoying his "new normal".

So we want to hear from you. What does your "new normal" look like? What changes did you make to survive the downturn? What lessons did you implement that make your business better and stronger? Have you become more efficient? Do you spend more wisely? Did you add new equipment or change product lines? We are conducting a VERY informal poll and would love to discuss with you all what lessons you've learned and changes you may have made.

Share your stories with us by commenting here on this blog, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter. -2Sand.com