I started thinking back on this year of years. One that would become known as a year of climax and catastrophe. A year where our world view would continue to erode while the costly wars of our time wage on. But this was also the year when we would break remarkable ground for veterans, passing a new GI Bill enabling those who have served the shot at college. A year when hope would cut through the chaos to unite those seeking a better way and inspire the world for the first time in a long time.
Of course, in this year of extremes, the highest of highs would quickly become bedfellows with the lowest of lows. Lightning would strike the world’s economic system putting a halt to nearly every budget across the globe, forcing many of this generation’s best minds to the unemployment lines.
So what does it mean to a media company like mine who fielded the unspoken worries echoed across every sector since the summer of 2007? Well, it means we’re definitely more fortunate than most, positioning ourselves for the future. But no one is immune. Everyone will have to take one step down on the rung of their respective ladders. If you are Pepsi, you walk away from BBDO in favor of the next biggest fish in the media sea. If you are a broadcast or cable network, you will question whether or not you need a traditional agency to manage your media at all. And this will continue to happen as every budget is re-examined.
The one thing that honestly surprises me, in this year of hope and amazing progress, is that many seem to be ignoring the promise echoed on November 4th. It was clearly stated that times will be tough. They will undoubtedly get tougher still. But to fulfill that promise we must collectively get our heads out of the sand and get back to doing what we do. And not since FDR have we been asked to collectively pitch in like we are being asked now.
For me business has always been about working hard and turning in the right direction to open the next door of opportunity. Now for the first time in my life we are literally being asked to open the old fashioned door that’s been there all along to the people out there in need. At The Horn Corp we are doing just that. Since the recession began, we have instituted an open door policy for anyone who has been displaced by circumstance. Those seeking the next big challenge, a place to be creative or just a chair. And never before in my life have I seen a group so talented and hungry to find “it.” This new type of community is one that I hope will catch on in other circles around the country and world.
2009 promises to be another year of change. Most likely another year of extremes. But mark my words, budgets will return in 2009 and just like any other time in history work will get done. But before we get back to the hustle, I would ask you to look around for some doors to open for others. Look around and take some small steps in the right direction. It may be just what is needed to collectively start looking ahead… to start leading again… and dreaming again… and working again.
Happy Holidays,
Ariel Horn
CEO / Executive Director
The Horn Corp.
ah@thehorncorp.com
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