Since writing my last post about the Obama campaign, I've just come across a great quote from his new chief-of-staff, Rahm Emanuel:

"You don't ever want a crisis to go to waste; it's an opportunity to do important things that you would otherwise avoid. In 1974 and 1978 we never dealt with it, and our dependence on foreign oil never changed."

I love this quote.

In a crisis, like the current economic problems that are probably impacting your company in some way, the first priority is survival - but it is then a real opportunity to make changes that you would never get round to making, or couldn't get away with making, in the good times.

Everyone knows times are tight, so maybe now is the time to really cut back on waste of time, money and resources. Maybe it's time to implement a tougher credit application and credit control procedure and attitude. Maybe it's time to become a firmer manager (but still fair). Maybe it's time to demand more from your suppliers (in return for being a great customer) - or shop around for new suppliers.

Maybe it's even time to change what you do or how you do it?

Or what's the equivalent for your business of the foreign oil that the USA is so reliant on? Who outside the business is able to put a squeeze on you? Make a change, and make it now.

What would you really like to change about your business but have never got round to?

Use the current impetus you have to solve problems to make these changes too.

Don't let a crisis go to waste.