In his Ask the Expert column for USA Today Steve Strauss writes that the good news for small businesses is that even though times are tough, it is still possible to grow an operation without taking a huge risk.

One thing Strauss suggests is adding to the advertising and marketing budget.

"Being in business for yourself is like being alone in a dark room - you know you are there, but no one else does," he writes. "The only way to turn the light on, the only way to let them know you are out there, is by advertising and marketing. Once the calls start, you can hire the extra help."

Some larger companies are assisting small businesses in their marketing efforts these days with a recent New York Times article reporting that a Colorado bank has begun placing billboard ads for SMBs as small as a babysitter.