Running a business isn't easy even during the best of times but lately it really seems as if there's a new disruption every week!
Business intelligence reports that measure business activity trends like foot traffic and purchases have been showing signs of distress in some places and healthy demand in others. It used to be we could all pretty much assume availability of basic goods and services at consistent prices but with supply chains and price increases continuing and with future prospects looking bleak, those assumptions cannot be made any longer.
It is exactly this dislocation that has thrown the planning of purchases into total chaos. Businesses are lurching from regular supply planning to sporadic ones; many times they must purchase from un-vetted vendors and service providers which is always fun.
Immediate working capital available in 48 hours without a lot of paperwork can be the difference between surviving and thriving in today's world.
There has never been a better time to use your dry powder (including leverage) to take advantage of the wild swings in pricing that's happening now and will likely continue moving forward.
I don't have a "crystal ball", I'm just a guy looking to do right by my clients who need my services. I believe however that even those of us who see the coming storm from afar will be astonished and what will unfold in the next few years.
Keep your powder dry because you sure as heck are going to need it.
Call me if you need more powder!