I am usually a “glass half empty” kind of guy when it comes to business planning and management. Plan conservatively, build in contingencies and cushions, manage expectations and execute well.
This has been a formula which has worked pretty well for me in business. However, planning for 2014 may have a different approach to it.
Why? Despite the macro negatives of the Europe economy (although improving), governmental gridlock in Washington, and unrest in the Middle East, I believe 2014 has the potential to be a breakout year for our industry and our company.
The positive macro highlights: retail sales and growth are healthy, banks are lending again, unemployment continues to tweak down, housing continues to improve, interest rates remain low, and inflation is in check. Throw in the strong micro environment we live in—Texas, Texas and Texas—and you can understand why my glass is filling up.
Very strong new job growth, low cost of living, being centrally located. and working within a pro-business regulatory environment are just a few of the many reasons why we are fortunate to be business based in this part of the country.
So, in anticipation of a strong 2014, I am going to change the way we will plan for next year … not!