Well --  it is the time of year when we reflect and learn. How was 2009 for you?  It is also the time of year when we look forward and plan for the year ahead.  How will 2010 be for you?

As you scanned through the television stations over the last few days it was pretty common to see photo galleries of leaders and celebrities that were lost over the past year.  Quite often we get nostalgic about their roles, personality and accomplishments.  Of course nobody wants to be cynical at a funeral and therefore sometimes the "rose colored glasses" view is appropriate.

But in business you cannot afford to be "nostalgic" or have an unrealistic view of the past.  This is important because the future can only be changed by having a clear understanding of what lies ahead.

Throughout history people have looked back at the "good old days" but in reality those times were often rife with an entirely different set of problems than the present.  Often when we are asked to help a sales organization we can see what needs to be fixed immediately.  We can make a recommendation that will work because we have seen it work before.  We can realistically help you go from 5 to 10 million regardless of the economy - why?  Because we have no sentimentality about your business.  Our Father didn't found it.  We didn't build it from the ground up. We are not burdened by an in-depth understanding of the technology, etc, etc.

Can you think of a  better time than January to take a good, objective look at your growth strategy for 2010?