Paradigms are shifting all around us – in business and the global economy, to the ways we look at how and when we market. Institutions and industries are being forced to rethink traditional business models that have been used for years. World leaders are asking their people to reevaluate their very ways of life. Never before in our lifetime has there been such a tectonic shift in, well… everything.

Such a shift has indeed occurred before in the life of our nation and those who took advantage of change opened the doors to amazing opportunity.

Back in the 1800’s when the railroads were being built and when Wall Street emerged was when all the rules by which the traditional economy had functioned were broken and remade. Then, as now, everything was changing. And, it was the age when nearly 20% of the 75 wealthiest individuals in human history took advantage of those changes and built their fortunes… all in America. Some of them include: 01) John D. Rockefeller: Oil Industry, 02) Andrew Carnegie: Steel 28)Frederick Weyerhaueuser: Paper Industry, 33) Jay Gould: Railroad Industry 34) Marshall Field:Department Store, 36) Hetty Green: Banking, 64) Peter Arrell Brown Widener: Tobacco Industry, 65) Philip Danforth Armour: Meatpacking

Even in those dark days of uncertainty during the great depression, great opportunity existed for entrepreneurs and business leaders with the vision to see it, and the boldness to reach for it. Those strong enough to take a chance, took advantage of the low costs and built empires from nothing. Walmart and McDonalds, the very few US companies showing an increase on Wallstreet in 2008 grew up during the depression.

Today, we face similar economic uncertainties. We also find ourselves in the midst of a changing world rife with possibilities. Are you constantly researching, keeping up with trends, taking chances on new media or just giving up? Will you take the challenge and find new opportunties in this economy or will you curl up and wait for the market to get back on track?

Change can be scary, especially when it is so profound, and occurring as rapidly as it is today. Rather than be fearful, be grateful. We are fortunate to be here now, we have the power to change, grow and find new niches never dreamed of. Don’t give in to the gloom and doom of the nightly news. History shows that even in the most volatile economic times opportunity abounds for business. So the question is are you committed to growing or are you slowing?

My Best,
Kathy Kane
Market Insights, LLC