It still seems hard to believe that Walter Cronkite is dead. As I watched the news shows that mourned his life, I was mildly surprised to realize that he hadn't anchored the CBS Evening News since 1981. I knew it had been a number of years, but I wouldn't have guessed so many.

 

This feeling is probably shared by many people over the age of 45. The "most trusted man in America" was part of our daily lives.

 

Some of the news commentators talked about who could take his place. The answer is no one, but not because no one can step into his shoes.

 

The reason is because of how the media industry has changed. Viewers of network news have declined steadily over the years. Daily newspapers in major markets are folding. The blogosphere has thousands of commentators on every imaginable topic.

 

Walter Cronkite functioned as the filter, interpreter and dispenser of news. Today, the way we absorb and contemplate news has changed as a result of how news is disseminated and received.

 

What is happening in your industry? Are different elements chipping away at the fundamentals that may have been rock solid as recently as three years ago?

 

It's important to step back and assess not just how you're surviving during the recession, but how you're going to handle the new realities that will exist in the post-recession era.

 

How you anticipate your industry's trends and strategize accordingly will determine whether you're in business five to ten years from now. Do your research, then assess how your business fits into that future vision.

 

Feel free to share your thoughts as you go through this process.

 

Have a great week!

 

 

Copyright 2009 Lisa M. Aldisert

 

 

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Our goal is to provide you with timely tips so that you can more effectively run your business. We know you have a ton of mail in your inbox, so we're committed to brevity and practicality.

 

 

Do what you say you're going to do. Many leaders over commit and when they get overwhelmed, many things don't get accomplished. 

 

 

Sometimes we need some help managing the physical aspects of stress, not just the emotional elements. Exercise is the number 1 antidote - even 10 minutes a day can help. 

 

 

You can't "legislate" building a community around your business. To achieve longevity, people need to be part of a community organically. 

 

 

 

 

Julia E. Rosenbaum