Why all the talk about change?

Change is real. It happens to us every day. Most times it is inperceptible... 

Early in my career I worked on forecasting models. I spent countless hours researching and testing statistical models that best predict events. But, at the end of the day, everyone knew the forecasts were a guess at what might happen.

We all have this embedded feeling that the best predictor of tomorrow is today. But we tend to overlook events which contribute to long term change.

Take an economic downturn for example. It does not happen overnight. Little by little events take place that when added together create actions where business declines. Rising gas prices take time to change peoples buying habits. A dollar here or there does not make a difference. But when the cost of filling your fuel tank eventually doubles and your income does not follow, it makes you change your purchases of other items.

What does this mean for your business? Well, what are the factors that effect your customer's buying decision? What would make the stop buying or start buying? Identify them and then track events which impact these factors. Next, develop strategies to take advantage of opportunity.