Yes, It is Possible

Well we’re still in this recession that doesn’t seem to want to go away. Maybe that’s because everyone is scared, maybe because we keep talking about it (Nearly every commercial you for a product or service refers to it). Either way, hopefully we will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So depending on how long it is, brace yourselves because it may be a long ride.

So how exactly does one gain hope during an economic downturn? I believe the answer is creativity. I recently watched a movie that sparked my interest in this topic for my weekly contribution to this blog. The movie involved a man that was hired by different companies to basically fire employees of the hiring company and then convince them that everything was going to be okay; that they’d find another opening somewhere, and if not maybe start some venture of their own. One line that stuck out to me, as an MBA student, was “Anybody who ever built an empire, or changed the world, sat where you are now. And it’s because they sat there that they were able to do it.” While the fact is that firings and layoffs are sad, they are a reality, especially in the economic situation we currently are in.

There is hope however. Because I believe the previous quote from the movie is true. How many great companies were created despite the current situation. Idea generators who ultimately start and build great companies usually don’t just do it because they’re bored. Many times they have to. What an opportunity this is then to start something great, to build a business, or put that idea into action that would otherwise be impossible (if you were working 40+ hours per week).

Let’s get back to the topic of success during a down economy. While driving around the country from Oklahoma to Minnesota and back over the past week (6 states in all- impressive I know) I had the chance to see plenty of companies’ attempts to reach the general public via billboards. From beer ads to religious quotes, I feel like I saw every ad possible. One however stuck out the most and I’m sure you’ve probably seen it. It says, “Bill Gates started Microsoft in a Recession.” Genius! The company who puts out these ads (usually starting with “Recession 101″-Google  it if more interested) is trying to give Americans a breath of fresh air so to speak. They are reminding us all that it is possible to do great things even when times are bad.

Proof

Along with Microsoft, there are many more great companies that were started during a down economy (whether it be a recession, depression, or whatever else ‘ession’). You may be surprised by the names. Some of these companies include: Proctor & Gamble, IBM, GE, GM, and FedEx (there are many more but these are the big ones). Wow that’s a great list to be on. Some of the best companies doing what they do best each and everyday got their start during the worst of times. The founders saw a need and met it.

So What?

So what does this mean for you? What’s the big picture? Well for that I will remind you of the title of this post. That it is possible. Whatever “it” is for you can be done. This isn’t meant to be a motivational speech (although I’m sure someone out there could use one) but more of a reminder. Any great empire as the quote said earlier is usually kick started by some event, some temporary situation. Whether that event is you being terminated at work or just the down economy, I hope that you can find that spark that will help launch what is in you (that idea you’ve had forever) and make you a great business owner in the near future. Good luck.

Austin