Yes, is the short answer. To explain why takes a few more words. McGraw-Hill Research (probably the biggest in business media) conducted research after the 1981-82 recession and found the following:

• Businesses that maintained and/or increased advertising averaged significantly higher sales growth both during and after the recession even for 3 years beyond.

• Another research study regarding the 1990-91 recession reported businesses that maintained or increased advertising grew market share substantially.
  

I would add a note that some pretty successful new companies started in recessions: Charles Schwab started in the 1970's recession and Microsoft started in the recession of the 1980's.

It's clear our world is changing no matter where we are in it. Here are 4 trends worth keeping in mind as you plan future growth:

• More and more workers are backing away from being a workaholic. They want less stressful activities in their daily lives.

• Target marketing and advertising will be the rule, not the exception to reach customers and prospects.

• Youth education will become more and more of an issue. The U.S. is behind.

• Business will have to get accustomed to taking higher risks in marketing.

Manpower, Inc. just conducted an employer survey and found there is a dramatic shortage of certain skilled workers. Most just don't have the desired combination of skills, experience, training and soft skills. The hardest jobs to fill are: engineers, nurses, teachers, sales reps., drivers, technicians, laborers and machine operators. I would suggest you look at your work force and see which 'low performers' you should replace.