There are two cultures within the larger entrepreneurial culture, one driven by the top-line and the other driven by the bottom-line.

Bottom-line entrepreneurs and small business owners think, eat, and breathe to keep that bottom-line black. It is their belief that every action they make must somehow protect bottom-line profits. Any hint the bottom-line will be reduced or turn red will strike fear into the bottom-line entrepreneur. They will quickly circle their wagons and wait for the recession’s attack to be over.

Top-line entrepreneurs have their focus on the top of the balance sheet -- the income. To these entrepreneurs and small business owners a recession is what Charles Dickens would call, the best of times. Top-line entrepreneurs will saddle their horses and seek out the encircled covered wagons.Top-line entrepreneurs know exactly what I’m talking about, but I've lost the bottom-line entrepreneurs, including those bottom-line entrepreneurs that incorrectly think they're focused on the top-line.

To determine if you are a top-line or bottom-line thinker read how each reacts to a recessary cycle by clicking here.