It seems that 2008 just started and now it is coming to an end… I believe the ants are ready for the holidays and are looking forward to 2009. Even with a down economy there are things to look forward to.
Everyone will be forced to be smarter and work harder in ’09. That is just a given in these times. The main thing is don’t listen to every little piece of bad news. Try and think of the best ways to use your time and efforts to better yourself and those around you. Whether that is family, friends or co-workers the idea is to help yourself and pass those good things to others.
I read this article today – Watchwords for 2009: “Angels” and “bootstraps” It was interesting and a great article that really brought home some of the feelings of being a small company again.
What people should not lose sight of is that recessions should not be times of “self destruction,” and while the gloom and doom tends to dominate the headlines. Smarter business’s will come up with great alternatives and new opportunities will show up as we seek new ways to grow. Old school thinking and the “way it has always been done” proverb will lead those companies that are resistant to change to go off course and drift into self destruction and mediocrity.
On a good note, recessions end. We all know that they end and when this one does, you should be ready to spring forward and not lose sight of the great ideas that led you forward when times were bad. Look for talented people as other companies cut them loose or push them into looking for other work. Look for ways to cut expenses without sacrificing quality. Look for new ways to push your self and your business forward. That is what makes great companies in bad times, as well as good times.
