Surviving 2010 - Possible or impossible!?

[Roger Hitchcock]

I am concerned that the impact of 2010 will be (to many businesses) more negative than positive. Don't get me wrong I am generally an optimist but see two concerning trends;

1. The build up and hype towards the Soccer World Cup that will no doubt bring with it opportunities and cash (for some key niche players). The challenge for the vast majority is going to be the disruption this causes in the middle of the year. (Perhaps I am very aware of this simply because at this time of year (November) more and more business decisions are postponed - "it can wait until next year" - creating the typical Christmas closedown. Will you be able to survive the World Cup Slow Down (WCSD) - from April/May next year maybe your clients will be saying - "it can wait until after the World Cup", will you be able to make it to August 2010 (when it will all be over bar the shouting)?

2. The plethora of legislation (and associated regulations/chellenges) that is coming into effect during 2010 is quite mindblowing (especially in their impact. The New Companies Act pretty much changes the way business are run, putting the spotlight on Directors and Decision Makers, the related King III Code of Governance for South Africa applies to ALL ENTITIES - making it something evey business has to take into account, the Consumer Protection Act completely revolutionises sales and marketing... have you taken these into account (do you know about them and the impact they will have on your business?)

WILL YOU SURVIVE 201 - IF SO HOW?