Recent news of higher unemployment seemed to throw water on the smoldering embers of a new fire in the economy.  Many signs are pointing towards a recovery: new housing starts, reduced inventories even a dropping in new claims for unemployment.  I suppose this is just the market’s way of keeping our exuberance in check.  After all, false hopes of a red hot economy lasting into infinity are partly to blame for what got us into this current mess.

Many people I talk to say “When I see this sign, I’ll know the economy is back.”  What many are not taking into account is that the old will not be back.  We are in for changes that no one can anticipate.  Tomorrow will not be like yesterday.  Today is the day for evaluation of the future.  So many people and organizations have been so scarred by the events of this current recession that they will change their outlook drastically to protect themselves from the pain of their current situation.  I suspect we will see greater savings rates and a broadening of education among individuals.  Organizations will be more likely to operate with less perks and seek talent that is broader based in nature. 

It’s a new time for the business world.  Look for your opportunities but don’t get hung up in the past.  We are moving full steam ahead into unchartered waters.  Find your seat on the “opportunity bus” or better yet, create your own.