I love Scott Cleveland's post from earlier this month - Roaring Out of the Recession. I totally agree with this sentiment. In fact, I tweeted an article by Tom Friedman of the NY Times about how some of the VC's in the Valley "didn't get the message" that we're in a recession and have boldly invested in hot new technologies like alternative energy sources.
There's no doubt that the economy will recover. It's just a matter of time. US unemployment has leveled off at slightly below 10% now, so maybe we are at the bottom. It's the nature of all cycles: up, down, up, down, up. But, I agree with Scott, we are in for a "new normal" when it comes back. Things will be different.
Things will be much more digital. There are new standards for organizational efficiency as well as superior customer support and customer experience. Web 2.0 technologies and enterprise 2.0 models of embracing the collective will change the way we interact with our suppliers forever. These changes will be terrifying to some, exhilarating to others. Which one are you?
Industry leaders don't just react to downturns better than others; they reinvent themselves and leverage new trends to lead their industries in good times and bad. For tech enthusiasts it's hard to find a time in history more exciting than right now. Each one of us can be on the field, watch from the front row, or watch from the cheap seats. Just keep in mind, your viewing location will determine your outcome.
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