Gracias, Merci, Danke...

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and I'm recovering from Thursday. And with a spare minute (since the business world has ground to a halt until Monday), I thought I'd share the things I'm thankful for. It's a long list, so consider this the "Twitter" version (we used to call this the "Cliff's Notes" version but nobody uses Cliff's Notes anymore...)

• I'm thankful that the business still exists. In the darkest moments of 2009 I wasn't sure we'd get to a point where we could say the business was going to survive. No, it's not as good as it was in 2008, or 2007, but it's still here.
  
• I'm thankful that SOME corporations view rewarding and recognizing their employees as an Investment instead of a Cost. This should serve them well when (as opposed to if) the economy turns.
• I'm thankful that the manufacturer's rep firms have gutted out the worst of the storm. Without them, most brands would have a very difficult time getting their products to the market.
• I'm thankful for Coach's return to the business, limited as it is at the moment. They cast a positive glow on the rest of the market. They left, then they returned. It's a good thing.
• I'm thankful for the very smart people who advise me on the state of the market. I learn much from them and it allows me to have a better view of the entire business. They have already helped me understand what 2011 might bring.
• And finally, I'm thankful that we are able to ply our trade despite the worst economic conditions in 75 years. As we emerge from the fog of the past 24 months we will learn that the market still has considerable opportunity for those with new ideas and attitudes.

OK, gotta go--the pumpkin pie I didn't get to yesterday is calling me. I know how Odysseus felt lashed to the mast...


Pete