In 2008, we still had some tail winds of the dot.com period pushing us in the direction of enhancing technology and innovating. As the pull-back in the economy occurred, the idea of coming up with a ‘comprehensive solution’ has become the mantra. While there is great political ‘hope’ with the upcoming inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama; few people have determined a path for economic success for small business. I think 2009 is a year of opportunity- if you look in the right places. As the environment becomes more ‘stressed,’ two discrete organizations are emerging- different ways of coping with the challenge.
Jim Carrey’s latest Movie “The Yes Man” illustrates the two options in his typical ‘extreme humor’ – the movie resonates with me and is reflective to show that we do have options – even when the time seems grim… the most success that I have seen in starting companies are in periods of economic downturn and uncertainty- this may seem counter-intuitive- but it may make sense from a combination of Carrey’s film and the short simplification of the way that people and institutions’ react to economic/sociological downturns:
A. Some companies/individuals feel that ‘the glass is half empty’
Many organizations and individuals are paralyzed by the ‘economic crises’ and are ‘running in place’ – not making decisions- or waiting for others or some ‘sign’ that will enable decision making to occur- perhaps waiting for a signal that ‘the crises is over’ and ‘it is safe to make decisions again.’ Many of these organizations will suffer greatly during this down turn and careers will be damaged in these enterprises. Innovation and moral will deteriorate. Negotiations with these companies become solely focused on dollars and cents and often lose site of the true value proposition. There is no longer a discussion of a solution- just filling a need (or not filling it- given the “economic issues”).
B. Others feel that ‘the glass is half full’
Some organizations are embracing this time and re-thinking what is important to their organizations- what is needed to survive. They realize that they need to do something fundamentally different to survive and prosper in these changing times. These companies have the opportunity to examine the new landscape of their ‘ecosystem’ and determine the best path for success. This is a period of renewed outreach- forming partnerships. It is a period where there is less competition and some organizations are more willing to listen. Negotiations with these companies are refreshingly novel- and there is an increased transparency between the organizations needs and what products and services can be provided to both meet existing needs as well as to enhance the position, scalability and ability of the company to meet the needs of its current and future customers.
Given the option, it is obvious that organizations resembling ‘B’ will provide a strong customer base. My guess is that about 25% of organizations fit category ‘B’ and that is why I am excited to be going into 2009. We have seen a lot of new opportunities and I am very encouraged. It will take a combination of insight (gleaned from our most extensive body of experience to date), shared vision and a sprinkle of great technology (and the technology has never been better) and we will have the recipe for success – Yes!
Jonathan Merril's Blog 