Business is coming out of a very tough cycle following the financial crisis in 2008 – but a couple things happened during that cycle – businesses got control of their operations and costs and refinanced their balance sheets. So they have figured out how to navigate a challenging environment.
Companies can plan for the bumpy economy in the U.S. and the slowing growth in emerging markets – but it’s much more difficult to plan for the European situation. My sense is that if we can reach a point where business leaders see a path to orderly resolution for the eurozone, that reduces the major uncertainty that exists, there would be tremendous upside in the U.S.
Businesses today are looking to be offensive, not defensive – not hunkering down like two to three years ago – most see this as a time to grow and take advantage of opportunities. Well placed companies are looking beyond the short term; they are asking what can I do to transform my operations and potentially reposition my company for next five to ten years.