Confidence in the U.S. economy dropped sharply this past quarter among private company executives surveyed for PwC US's Private Company Trendsetter Barometer reports. Only 27 percent of those polled expressed optimism, a decrease of 16 points from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the percentage of executives voicing uncertainty continued to climb, rising seven points to 49 percent. "Among international private companies," the report adds, "pessimism about the global economy (28 percent) exceeded optimism (21 percent), with 51 percent voicing uncertainty.”

While this is not new or surprising findings, it should indicate that business owners and managers should take note of the general economic climate and revisit steps and actions they took during the end of 2008 when the global economic and financial crisis appeared. Optical manufacturers, wholesale laboratories, an Eye Care Professionals, and suppliers and vendors in the industry all need to remember that the first calendar of every year is soft in terms of sales and revenue. Rather than waiting to see what happens in the New Year, take time to review your business plans and take steps to prepare for a continuing softness in the economy.

Hedley Lawson, Contributing Editor for Jobson Medical Publishing, LLC
Managing Partner
Aligned Growth Partners, LLC
hlawson@alignedgrowth.com