“No pain, no gain” is the motto for 2008
There have been more tumultuous years than 2008, but not too many in my lifetime. Fortunately, we’ve got a lot to look forward to.
A rough and tumble presidential election. Economic distress at every level of society. And unprecedented ripple effects. The U.S. still fighting two foreign wars. These things that occurred this year will grease the skids for 2009, and no one can predict what to expect. Some say that the new year will be disastrous, that economic conditions will erode more dramatically and a depression will take hold. Others believe that the combination of new U.S. leadership and an already bottomed-out economy will push the needle back up, albeit slooooooowly.
The fear and uncertainty many of us now face are here for a little while longer, I think, but help is on the way. Smart companies – big, small and start-ups – are bracing themselves for tough times. The really smart companies are planning for the upturn — right now. They are staying committed to their marketing vision, assessing the viability of their products and services, re-examining the marketplace to seek new opportunities, strengthening relations with existing customers and business associates, and preparing to strike when conditions improve. The really smart companies know that visibility is essential, even when times are difficult. Because when the ice breaks, their ship will be the fastest to reach port.
Over Thanksgiving, my girlfriend and I traveled to Nicaragua, to a tiny place off the east coast called Little Corn Island. We wanted to achieve “mush brain” for a week and thought this would be the spot. But to reach the island (pardon the extended ship metaphor), we had to ride in an open, modified Boston Whaler with twin, 200-horsepower engines through 10-foot swells and high winds. The boat was airborne as much as it was on the waves. We were terrified and physically whipped. However, the week on Little Corn was magnificent, relaxing and peaceful, as was the return boat ride to our plane.
Kind of like 2008. Sudden and somewhat unexpected pain on the way out. But if you can bear it, you’ll reach your destination and things will be fine.