Editorial

Outlook 2002

Nothing works like a plan. It sounds simple enough, but that’s the way some of the most important things in life are—simple, straightforward. A business plan is absolutely essential to your success. The more forward-thinking companies write out a five-year plan, but that’s tough—if we’ve learned anything from 2001 it’s how quickly and how drastically things can change. But that’s also the point. In this day and age it’s just plain stupid not to have at least the next six months planned out with a good idea of what you’ll do the rest of 2002. OK, so what’s a good plan? Glad you asked; we have several ideas. At least we can lead you to some very good places to start. Turn to page 20. We asked some of the window coverings industry’s top executives for their advice on how our readers should approach this new year with its expected “new economy.” Their responses are timely, on the mark and based on solid, proven business wisdom. You’ll find some company executives plan to introduce new products this year, others are concentrating on marketing and promotional programs for their current lines and at least one who is admittedly bullish on 2002. You’ll read phrases such as “do things that set your business apart,” “adjust to the recent changes and prevail,” “focus on serving the customer” and “look ahead.” To paraphrase John Fitzgerald at Comfortex Window Fashions, it ain’t rocket science. We don’t need rocket science or some sort of magical fix. What the industry needs is talented, committed, imaginative, productive and principled individuals doing what they do best—designing, creating, selling and installing the best products in the best way they know how. That sounds like a pretty good basis for a 2002 business plan. The next step, now, is to follow your plan.

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