Okay, it looks like we have somehow survived 2011. It’s been an interesting year. But of course the word interesting can mean many things—as in “May your life be long and interesting,” a purported ancient Chinese curse. It’s been an eventful year to be sure. Here are some of the more interesting and astonishing things that occurred during 2011:

 

The European debt crises that began in Greece in 2009, spread to Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain and now threatens France and even Germany. A near default on U.S. debt caused a downgrading of our country’s credit rating.

 

The people of Egypt toppled their oppressive government. The people of Libya toppled their oppressive government. The people of Syria are in upheaval against their oppressive government. U.S. forces managed to hunt down and kill renowned Al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden. The U.S. announced its withdrawal of forces from Iraq. A giant tsunami devastated the coast of Japan following a powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake that triggered a nuclear power plant disaster.

 

Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs died. The Occupy Wall Street movement gained national attention when it spread to major cities across the country. The movement is bringing intense scrutiny on the ever-widening gap between the ultra-wealthy and the 99 percent of Americans who are not. And in December, Newt Gingrich became a serious GOP candidate for the 2012 Presidential Election. 

 

But that was 2011. Now we can turn the page and look ahead to 2012. We have a golden opportunity for a fresh start. Or do we?

 

Well, in some ways I think we can expect more of the same. U.S. economists say that slow growth (around 1 percent) and high unemployment will become the “new normal” for the U.S. economy; and we might expect a Japan-style “lost decade” in view of ongoing austerity measures. On the world stage United Nations (UN) economists have sharply cut their projections for world growth. In their report, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2012, UN economists forecast very low growth, warning that developed economies are on the brink of a downward spiral because of sovereign debt distress, fragile banking sectors, weak aggregate demand and policy paralysis. Yeesh! 

 

Still, in November the U.S. unemployment rate fell below 9 percent for the first time since 2009. And in December it looked like European leaders would soon agree on a plan to rescue the Euro. 

 

But more important than these big economic events is your own outlook on business. This may be a perfect time to reassess your situation. Is your current business strategy working? Is your business on solid financial ground? Are you experiencing at least moderate growth? If so, I’d venture to say that you are on the right track. 

 

Are you hanging on by your proverbial fingernails? If so, I’d venture to say that you might want to take a different tack. You could diversify with new product offerings, or explore new markets with the products you currently offer. Or you could hide under your desk for another year and hope for the best. 

 

Better to take stock, arm yourself with the salient facts, look ahead with open eyes, and move with confidence into a new year. Okay, back to work.