As I took a stroll around Truckee yesterday I realized a few things about my business, the Sierra’s and the economy in general. I had been pondering this since I first began writing a fiscal management question for the Lake Tahoe Community College and its glaring realization hit me yesterday. We all know the Sierra’s are lacking in snow and compared to what we received last year it’s panic time. When the white stuff falls like clockwork every year it is hard to imagine when a lack there of leaves a crushing blow to the local businesses, schools and residents.
Enter the 2011/2012 winter season! By having my business online I can get by, sure skateboard decks are going to be non-existent because its winter and snowboard sales are slow moving. But I have supplemental income to get me by. On my trek around Truckee yesterday I saw business owners and store workers that did not have that luxury. They patiently waited for someone to walk into their store and purchase an item. Or they embraced the warmth of the sun and relaxed outside – something I’m sure they would rather do in June.
I realized it is all part of the game. It’s sad to portray our life that way but there is no other example of blatant difficulty, followed by ease that I can think of. Life goes through waves. Our finances, moods and progression all go through up and down periods. We enter a feast or famine lifestyle that is driven by our needs, the country’s needs and external forces out of our control. As many of us are tightening our belts it is important to be mindful when our lives begin to pick up. If we consumed and spent at an average rate regardless of the economic situation, we would have steady growth. While that doesn’t make for an amazing business news headline it sustains your family, business and well-being.
The lack of economic development around Lake Tahoe has been difficult to manage as the town boomed during high economic peaks. So what can be done to maintain part of that expansion long term? The point is to manage the high points to sustain you through the low. Through reinvention and determination we can all come out on top and grow stronger by having sound spending and business practices.
So what exactly is and why should we care? Well my teacher cover all this for me last night. But I don’t want to keep this to myself. They say a movement is upon us and the more people that know, the more people can get involved!
s this the same Safari Club that charged a $100 a seat to listen to Palin talk about shooting wolves from her helicopter?
