When Fear Grips Business Development

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As much as many people talk a good game about changing into the future... it's pretty rare to find people actually willing to do it. Especially when everyone else around them in this economy is in a bunker mentality.
Change involves risk. New ideas involve risk. Spending money involves risk. When the economy looks treacherous, it's easier to say we're going to 'conserve cash' than invest in something new, no matter how promising it might be. The 'past' might be dwindling, but it's known. What's comfortable is easier to embrace when the future is uncertain.
Ironically, some of the greatest companies have sprung up out of poor economic times.
It's easy to sound like a forward thinker... but much tougher to carry it out.
Good challenge for companies to consider!

Harry Urschel of MN 5:27PM November 10, 2009

I have been through the battles. What's especially galling is this CEO who gets up all high and mighty and talks 'new pathways' because it sounds so revolutionary and enrtrepreneural, far sighted even.
I know this is not new, particularly now and particularly for ANYONE who has a new idea and who must sell it to a VC, his boss or his manager.
But you are right, it is easier to do nothing.
Than something.

GL HOFFMAN of MN 4:28PM November 10, 2009

G.L.,
Sometimes it feels we are still in the Cold War Soviet Union style.... we do things "this way" because we always have, because we know how, because it's comfortable, because to change requires energy and planning and inertia does not.
You're better off to not try and insist... better to sit like a hen on eggs until you find someone who believes in making a difference and hatches the project with the same passion and gusto with which you have poured energy and heart into it's design and plan.
There is someone out there ready to step up, take the risk and walk the talk of job creation.
There must be.

Karla Porter of PA 4:09PM November 10, 2009