I’m nervous, and I can’t help it.
I was hopeful that the installation of the new administration would at least give some people a reason not to put a padlock on their checkbooks and run for cover.
The stimulus package is being put together as quickly as it can be, but knowing how Big Government works, how can I be anything but skeptical that the money will find it’s way to the right places and get the economy back on it’s feet.
1.5 million jobs lost nationwide in the last three months. Locally, many large employers have initiated hiring and project freezes, locked down the opportunity for raises and all but the most desperately needed promotions.
It is ugly.
Last year when the news was bad, I wasn’t all that worried - we had a nice backlog of work before the season even started, and by August we were booked for the year. Problem was, that was about the time the phone stopped ringing. It just went dead. Sure, we expect a slowdown in late summer and early fall, but there are still site visits to make, drawings to draw, estimates to estimate. But not last year.
Like many of you, I have a family that likes eating. They like living in a house, too, and I’d like them to keep living here. But for that to happen, Dad’s gonna need to pull a Mumford the Magician routine this year.
I wish you all a little selling magic this 2009 season.
