As 2009 comes to a close, we are constantly reminded of the challenges facing our businesses and the economy in general.  It is certainly a time to reflect on our overall business strategy, to consider what has worked well this past year, to plan for changes in what has not worked well, and to look outward at new opportunities created by the changing environment.  Albert Schweitzer said, "An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while the pessimist sees only the red stoplight. The truly wise person is colorblind."  This certainly seems to be a time to carefully consider our options...neither rushing forward foolishly, nor standing still when new opportunities are being created all around us.

 

It is also a time to thank those who have contributed to our businesses and fabric of our lives this past year.  Mahatma Gandhi said, "A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so."  We should all take the time to thank our customers, employees, suppliers, colleagues, friends and family for being part of our everyday lives.

Happy Holidays from Touchstone Business Advisors, and thank you for being part of my life.  I look forward to our continued relationship in the coming year.