Business Talk

It was more than a decade ago, and I was visiting a franchisee of a well known, publicly traded executive search company.

Through an odd confluence of factors, I was pitching the president of the Los Angeles branch, who asked me, more or less, "Why are we having this meeting?"

That's never an auspicious start to a consulting relationship; that much I can tell you. When prospects don't feel a burning need, we don't need to go much farther.

The conversation got even worse after I replied, "To make you some money."

"Why, we're taking WHEELBARROWS of money to the bank, so why would we need your help?"

That's the sort of arrogance that good times bring...and it's nearly impossible to buck.

Soon after that, we entered a deep recession. Real estate prices dropped 20% in many upscale towns, money grew tight, and there seemed to be no end in sight to the economic woes.

And of course, that same recruiting firm became a hollowed out shell, firing people in droves, singing the blues.

Sound familiar?

If not, it could very, very soon. According to some economists, we entered a recession in December, 2007, and things are going to look gloomier before they brighten.

And that's precisely why it is the best of times to be a corporate consultant or coach. When the going gets tough, and it will, large and small companies, alike suddenly get uncharacteristically humble and open to outside ideas.

As consultants and coaches, we can't ask for more.

So, get ready to prosper this year and very possibly next year, as well.