December 1, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The SAC® Release
Volatility and Uncertainty No Deterrent to Business Success
EAST GREENWICH, RI—The uncertainty of natural disasters, as well as labor and political unrest across the globe, should not derail smart businesses from continuing to grow and thrive, according to The Society for the Advancement of Consulting® (SAC).
Keep up the Speed to Stay Ahead of Trends
"In spite of the volatility associated with the last few years from politics to natural disasters, the U.S. stock market is at a multi-decade low in terms of volatility, according to the Chicago Board Options Exchange's Volatility Index (VIX)," points out Lisa Anderson, known as The Manufacturing Business TransformerSM and president of LMA Consulting Group, Inc, Claremont, CA.
"We have a bit of a dichotomy across the board," Anderson notes. "To successfully navigate these ever-changing waters, leaders must rise to the occasion. Agility is more important now than ever before! Speed is essential.
"Just as in jet skiing, you don't successfully jump waves by going slow. Instead, speeding up is the only path to safety. To stay on the jet ski, it also helps to read the waves. Staying in front of the coming trends and building your predictive muscle is paramount to thriving in this environment," she adds.
Stay Focused on the Strategic Factors that Matter
Rebecca Morgan, founder of strategic manufacturing operations consulting firm Fulcrum ConsultingWorks, says: "Wow, talk about uncertainty. Brexit. Trump. Catalonia. Healthcare. Tax reform. North Korea. How's a business owner supposed to make good strategic decisions under these circumstances?"
Morgan has three guidelines. "First, remember there is a big difference between what has happened, what will definitively happen, and what might happen. Second, distinguish between short term and long-term factors. And third, identify elements that will significantly impact your industry and business regardless of fluid political leadership, tariffs, trade pacts, and labor laws," she says.
"Look for the things that are certain, and those that will matter over time. Ensure that your vision, strategy, and capabilities in those arenas are always top priorities. Then, and only then, add near-term opportunistic strategic alternatives to the mix.