Survey Indicates Better Times Locking In

Last week the Burlington Chamber (ON) of Commerce announced the results of their 2010 Economic Forecast survey of members. With a wide range of business types reporting the results are very encouraging. 92% of the respondents forecast that the economy will be the same or better than 2009 in the coming year. Of course that sounds kind of discouraging when you reflect on how tough 2009 has been for many businesses. But the great part of that number is that 62% said it will be better than 2009 in 2010 and only 7% predicted a worse prospect.

When asked about their own businesses, over 63% predict a better year in 2010 and only 11% are expecting a worse year. There are sectors who have been hit harder than others, most notably exporters and some retailers. We can hope as the market gains momentum that their impacts will be mitigated as well.

Interesingly the number one external factor that is rated to have the biggest impact on businesses of all types (almost 50%) is consumer confidence. With some employment improvements and continued low interest rates this should be a more positive situation and their predictions have a good chance to come true.

One of the real fears that everyone has is the potential for tax increases due to the massive deficits that governments are racking up. The only saving grace here is the low interest component of this debt and with discipline we should be able to start to see governments leveling out their spending soon.

So as we enter the Holiday Season we actually have much to celebrate on the economic front...and we can all continue to work to consolidate the positives in the year ahead...

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Prosperous, Safe and Happy New Year

Lee K

Keep Working At Progress

Its been a while since I have had the time to add much to the blog, but that does not mean that there has been nothing happening. We find that more and more we are talking to clients and others who are saying that they are experiencing positive business growth. Many have taken new roads to keep moving forward and have looked for new avenues of opportunity.

Rather than bemoaning the difficult parts of their business they have looked to the components which have weathered the changes more solidly and redoubled their efforts to support these clients and to find more clients like them. Keeping in contact with this part of there opportunity base can pay dividends. Also, it is a time when many suppliers are looking for ways to move their products through the channel, so buying opportunities can be found which may make it possible to open up new routes to market.

Is it easy? No. Can it be done. Yes, many organizations are finding the ways to make it happen. It takes putting the effort in, thinking about alternative ways to move forward and perhaps shedding some of what you used to do. In the end you can be faster, stronger and have better results as a bi-product of shifting your focus to the places in your business where the best potential lies.

Keep up the hard work.

Lee K