Written by: Vickie Sullivan  |  July 18, 2013

Get Ready To Grow

According to a growing number of economists in this CNNMoney article, 2014 looks like a turnaround year for the economy.  Assuming this is true, ask yourself:  are you really ready to grow?

The answer is more complex than you think.  Growing our businesses will require a major change in behavior.  We need to play offense instead of defense.  Which means we need to clarify our position and invest strategically instead of hoarding cash in case our client base dries up.

Companies of all sizes face this crossroads.  According to an article in Strategy+Business, less than 25% of the 197 companies analyzed ready to grow.  The key learning:  the biggest portion of the companies were not at the bottom of the readiness scale.  They were in the middle–either “distracted” (49%) or “capability constrained” (20%).  Sound familiar?

Even if the pundits are wrong, let’s get ready anyway.  Check out the article and see which category you are in.  And plan accordingly. [Note:  the Strategy+Business article now requires registration for access.  Please visit http://www.strategy-business.com and search for an article on growth.]