Ch-ch-ch-changes

If someone were to tell me five years ago that my life would be as it is now, I wouldn't necessarily be surprised, but it would certainly sound like one of those science fiction parallel universe stories. In fact, even a single year ago was quite a bit different from now.

How often in our lives are we able to truly predict what will happen next with any real degree of certainty? We plot our courses and set sail - often with a flight plan, so to speak - but do we always reach our destination? And if we do, is it in the way we intended? Did we get thrown off course, or spring a leak in the hull along the way?

One of our well known corporate clients had a long-running slogan, "You can't predict; you can prepare." I think that's an especially key mantra to live by in this day and age. Given the tumultuous business climate, erratic financial market behavior, and consequently unstable nature of clients' budgets (or even the clients themselves), who among business owners are able to quantify with great certainty how their companies will fare over the next quarter, season, or year? Banks, consultants, and accountants have been saying, "Sure, you've had a great run over the years. But let's see how you do this year." It's a whole new ballgame for business; a "New World Order" as some say. It's time to get creative, but also time to look around and see how prepared we are to weather the storm - come what may.

Like with roulette, each day in business can be like a chance with the wheel. How ready are we for each new spin? Adapting to change and finding new ways of doing old things are notions I often write - and speak to people - about. Indeed, it's central to the theme of this blog. But as much effort as we all put into being adaptable and inventive, so too must effort be put into being proactive in our business strategy. The climate for most businesses can shift as radically as a winter wind. Build a position to be able to react smartly. So no matter what number comes up on the proverbial wheel, you'll have a leg up.