Time to Take a Breath

November 25, 2009

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Now is the time to take a breath.

I have time to think about our future. Try to anticipate what is going to be normal in the future and build a strategy around that expected normalcy to come – no matter what business you are in – no matter what type of product or service that you provide – no matter who your customers are, you need to anticipate the future – no need to understand the future as it relates to your markets, your customers, your customer’s customers. You need to anticipate the future.

Our world is changing and has changed – we don’t know exactly where it is going, but we need to make some moves to anticipate the expectations. We need to develop potential scenarios that are possible. Consider the ramifications or impact it has on your business outcomes going forward.

Let me tell you about two friends of mine. Both in the same type of business, both playing in the same type of market, both looking at the future (their past). Let me tell you about my buddy Frank and my other buddy, Bill. Both are conservative guys. They looked at the marketplace and each saw a different view.

Frank saw the world as moving so fast he wanted it to stop so he could take a breath. Bill on the other hand, saw the world with excitement and wanted to learn more. Frank would begin to shrink – customers became harder to get, competitors were beating him, employees moved to other companies. Bill started to grow rapidly. He saw so many opportunities that customers wanted to be part of Bill’s plans. Competitors feared Bill’s company. Bill had many people seeking employment.

Frank was satisfied, yet his business was declining.

Bill was satisfied, yet his business was booming.

Many business owners and managers will see the exact circumstances – and they see it in different ways. Are you Frank or Bill?

The moral of the story is … you fill in the blanks!!

Warmest regards,

Bob

Posted by Bob Jonas | Filed Under Business Strategy, Corporate Strategy, Strategy Management 

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