Observations/Reflections: On Running a Company under the Current Economic Conditions
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 08/13/10
Written: 02/15/2010
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

As I contemplate the future of the economy I am wondering how to position our organization within this unfolding crisis (a phrase I am deliberating using amidst the claims that 'the worse is over'). Moreover, I am concerned about our state of mind. These are some observations which must be later crafted into a tighter message:

1. Business conditions as we knew them have changed (forever). Let's stop waiting for a recovery, and let's plan expansion amidst this reality.
2. Point one necessitates organizations to operate under a different set of assumptions regarding their sales pipeline (its cycles and ratios).
3. Points one and two require organization to operate from a more secure financial position. Indeed, more than ever, we need to function with less debt, stronger reserves, and less cost. A key word is 'thrift'.