Yep…. Gap is closing 85 stores. But 2009’s first quarter economic “bloodbath” certainly doesnt end there. Ann Taylor…. 117 stores. Sprint – Nextel… closing 125 stores. Wilson’s Leather, 158 stores. Foot Locker, 140 stores. Bombay, 384 stores. Home Depot, 15 stores. Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug, 150 stores.
In his book, The Innovative Mind, Dr. Gene Landrum addresses why big corporations and large companies will fail in this economy. Essentially, today’s economy demands INNOVATION, he says, which is defined as being willing to destroy what IS, to create what is NOT. He goes on to say that this “creative destruction will be too ungovernable for modern [companies] to tolerate”.
It is HERE we find HOPE. While the “big names” are worshiping tradition and resisting change, we can embrace change and become agile. While they remain steeped in bureaucracy and commit to protecting the status-quo, we can be BOLD, CREATIVE, and PRO-ACTIVE. While they analyze and seek approval, small companies – LIKE OURS- can take action and seek a profit.
THIS is why Henry Ford, Walt Disney, and Estee Lauder outperformed their “bigger” competitors. THIS is why we have just cause to be optimistic and allow our actions to follow suit. Because in the end, optimism (or pessimism) will – ultimately – guide our actions.
“When you are short on ACTION,
You will likely be short on CASH” – B. Michelle Pippin
“Get out there and sell something. America needs the business.” – Zig Ziglar