A Prosperous Water Dragon Year!

 

 

 

 

Long Nian Da Ji

Tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, The Year Of The Dragon.  The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 signs, similar to the Western system, but their signs are comprised of animals.  The Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology.  The Dragon constellation, for example, is accorded the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky.  According to tradition, the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.

This year is also considered a water element year, and so is thought doubly prosperous in matters of financial success, family and romance.  While I was researching Chinese astrology, I found it interesting that ever since 1996, the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle.  All signs are pointing to 2012 being a better and luckier year for everyone, especially for our country's beleaguered small businesses.

I ran across an article by Robert Safian in Fast Company called This Is Generation Flux: Meet The Pioneers Of The New (And Chaotic) Frontier Of Business.  It's a fascinating piece that details the emerging young pioneers that have challenged today's economy by recognizing that "the future of business is pure chaos" and how they, and we, can survive and even thrive in these fast changing times.  The author asserts that "We are under constant pressure to learn new things. It can be daunting. It can be exhilarating."

Exhilarating, indeed!  I have to admit that even as worrisome business has become in the past few years, particularly for independent retailers, it's been quite a wild ride.  I'm excited by so many innovations and possibilities this new frontier offers and how they relate to our store.  Says Mashable's 26-year old founder, Pete Cashmore, "All these industries are being revolutionized.  It's come to technology first, but it will reach every industry. You're going to have businesses rise and fall faster than ever." 

Of course, it's the evolution of business as we know it, and it's happening at lightening-speed, or so it seems.  Beth Comstock, the chief marketing officer of GE, says, "Business-model innovation is constant in this economy.  You start with a vision of a platform. For a while, you think there's a line of sight, and then it's gone. There's suddenly a new angle."  I'm painfully aware of those angles, aren't you?  The great thing about this type of atmosphere is the opportunity it affords to learn.  We learn, we adapt, and we keep ourselves moving forward. 

One thing Mr. Safian says resonated with me.  It's something I've been saying since we took over our store.  He says, "If ambiguity is high and adaptability is required, then you simply can't afford to be sentimental about the past. Future-focus is a signature trait of Generation Flux. It is also an imperative for businesses: trying to replicate what worked yesterday only leaves you vulnerable."  GE's Peters says, "Some people question changing our (business) definitions.  When they do, I ask: How many of you use the same cell phone from five years ago? The world isn't the same, so we need new parameters."  I agree with Ms. Peters.  The world isn't the same, our towns aren't the same and we can't sit and mourn the fact.  We need to deal with the changing world on its terms, not ours - adapt, realign and move forward!

Wishing you the best this new year has to offer, my friends - may it be good to you and yours!

Lori & Scott