"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my own ship."

I found that quote last week, and it reinforced thinking I've had about operating a business during a poor economy.

Many of the conditions created by the recession parallel the way your business is affected when a competitor takes away your business. It feels the same: lower traffic, lower sales, the need to make tough decisions about how to manage the company.

This recession is a training ground for us to hone our businesses. The difference (or benefit?) with the recession is that EVERYBODY is in rough waters, not just you.

While it may not be an especially "fun" experience, we have the opportunity to find ways now:

• to be more relevant to customers,
  
• to attract attention in meaningful ways, and
  
• to find or create what differentiates you from your competition.

  Your reactions, behavior, and survival now serve as lessons "to sail your own ship" when faced with future storms.