What does an economic downturn mean to you?

With what can only be described as a shaky economy right now, what are freelance graphic designers doing to maintain a steady income?

Anytime the economy slows, so goes the money being invested by companies in marketing and promotions. Cuts invariably happen as revenues drop. It never really made any sense to me for companies to slow down or stop their marketing programs. Potential customers still need to know about a company. And the company still needs to invest in themselves to attract new customers and keep the ones they have.

I would be interested in knowing how you are adapting. Are you taking projects that you normally wouldn't? How about marketing? Are you working harder at getting the word out about you? How much of a role does social media play? Do you use it to attract new business?

How much of a role do you play in convincing your clients that they must continue to invest in their futures; i.e., via marketing? In other words, do you find yourself wearing a sales hat more and more?