Then, he said something that completely struck me… “I’m worried it not just a recession, I’m worried its the next depression.” And, because he’s sooo worried about that “coming” depression, he’s already laid off over 50% of his staff.

And, then it hit me, the Abundance versus Famine Mentality.

I’m sure everyone knows the idea of the “Abundance versus Famine” mentality.  Basically, it does like this.

How do you behave when there’s Abundance?

• You choose the best
• You are giving and open
• You plan your future in a world that’s with you
• You look successful and abundant

And, how do you behave when there’s Famine?

• You will take anything
• You are closed up and selfish
• You react to a world against you
• You begin to look desperate for survival

We’re in a recession.  There’s no doubt about that at this point.  But, the fields aren’t bare–we’re just growing less corn than we did last year.  And, how much less?  A few percentage points.  And that doesn’t sound like a famine/depression to me.

So, back to his business, and business in general.

In this environment, which mentality do you think is the right one to weather a recession?  Which one builds the right company culture for success today and in the future?  Which one attracts A players to your team and retains the ones you already have?

My honest belief is that in business, and really everything in life, is 90% mental.  We get what we focus on.  If you focus on famine, that’s what your business will get.  If you focus on abundance… well, I leave that exercise to you.

I’d love some comments.  Feel free to tell me if you disagree.

It was a bit of an eye opening experience about a number of things.

1) Universities teach the wrong stuff to marketers.  Maybe it’s just my focus on startups and tech businesses, but it really seems like they focus too much on the big picture, the theory, and not enough on the execution.  When I was in college (Computer Science), they taught us how to PROGRAM.  If you’re studying marketing, why don’t they teach you how to execute and measure marketing programs? That’s what you’re going to be doing most of the time, and what you’ll be doing when you get out of school.

2)  We’re turning out great entrepreneurs.  Most people that I interviewed had big plans.  One guy had already purchased and turned around a business and had it operating, profitably generating “passive income.”  The people coming out of school these days have, generally, a pretty positive and aggressive outlook on life.  I really think they’ll make some great entrepreneurs someday (and already are to a certain extent).

Over time, we’ll see how the intern situation develops.  It’s the first time we’ll have interns in TEMPUS.  And, while I’ve used them at other gigs, TEMPUS is a very different organization.  While I’m strongly committed to training and trying to mentor, I think it will take a very self-determined and motivated person to “swim” here.

But, the interns are our future, so we’ll do it.  “Teach them well and let them lead the way…”

OMG, Whitney?  Too much egg nog.

Merry [[insertholidayyoudohere]] everyone!