Founder decisions
Stop talking about Recession, talk about Opportunities
Once uncertainty reached the market, it seems that the only thing people talk about is a recession. Investors rush in hordes to sell. Companies talk about layoffs, cost cutting, and new strategies to
“Recession” is the word on everyone’s lips. Investors sell. Companies announce layoffs, cut costs, and scramble for survival. But while many fixate on the downturn, few spot the open ground.
The Greek bailout grabbed headlines, but the real EU risk simmered in Spain and Italy (Greek default: What it would mean). US unemployment held steady. Analysts drew endless comparisons to 1930 or 2008, painting a bleak picture. Policies in Europe and the US struggled to restore market confidence.
Big corporations freeze hiring, putting jobs at risk. That’s why Americans are leaving them to start their own ventures (Employees bid goodbye to corporate America). Small businesses aren’t just growing in number; they’re expanding. Forty percent of small businesses plan to hire in the next six months (Are We on the Verge of a Small-Business Hiring Boom?). Perhaps it’s time for small businesses to lead the economy.
Procter & Gamble (1837), General Electric (1890), IBM (1896), General Motors (1908), Disney (1923), Burger King (1953), Sports Illustrated (1954), FedEx (1973), Microsoft (1975), CNN (1980), MTV Networks (1981), and Wikipedia Foundation Inc. (2001) all launched during recessions.
Other brands found success in crisis: Miracle Whip (1931), Rice Krispies (1933), Healthy Choice (1990), Transformers (2000), iPod (2001), and Hyundai (2008). These weren't just survivors; they thrived.
Small businesses adapt faster. Their size lets them implement new ideas and dramatic changes with less friction.
Employees wear more hats. They get involved across the organization, seeing problems from multiple angles and finding solutions quickly.
Direct customer communication also means valuable insights. Developers use this feedback to build products and services customers actually want.
Big corporations freeze hiring, putting jobs at risk. That’s why Americans are leaving them to start their own ventures (Employees bid goodbye to corporate America). Small businesses aren’t just growing in number; they’re expanding. Forty percent of small businesses plan to hire in the next six months (Are We on the Verge of a Small-Business Hiring Boom?). Perhaps it’s time for small businesses to lead the economy.
Can you succeed in this economic environment?
Procter & Gamble (1837), General Electric (1890), IBM (1896), General Motors (1908), Disney (1923), Burger King (1953), Sports Illustrated (1954), FedEx (1973), Microsoft (1975), CNN (1980), MTV Networks (1981), and Wikipedia Foundation Inc. (2001) all launched during recessions.
Other brands found success in crisis: Miracle Whip (1931), Rice Krispies (1933), Healthy Choice (1990), Transformers (2000), iPod (2001), and Hyundai (2008). These weren't just survivors; they thrived.
What allows startups to be successful during these periods?
Small businesses adapt faster. Their size lets them implement new ideas and dramatic changes with less friction.
Employees wear more hats. They get involved across the organization, seeing problems from multiple angles and finding solutions quickly.
Direct customer communication also means valuable insights. Developers use this feedback to build products and services customers actually want.