There are talks that we’re already in a recession—or that one is coming. Regardless of who’s right or wrong, one thing is certain:
It pays to be prepared. I learned that as a Cub Scout, and it still holds true in business today.
As a business coach, I’ve seen it over and over again: the moments that feel like the end are often just the beginning. History backs this up. Some of today’s most iconic companies weren’t launched in booming economies—they were built in recessions.
Think about that.
Disney was founded in 1929 as the Great Depression hit. HP launched in a garage in 1939. Microsoft began during the 1970s oil crisis. LinkedIn, Tesla, Slack, Airbnb, Square, and Uber? All born out of economic downturns.
Why does this matter to you?
Because if you’re facing uncertainty in your business, this may be your exact moment to dial in, not check out. Here’s how:
1. Reframe Recession as a Launchpad
Some of the best innovations were born because someone chose to see crisis differently. Instead of hiding from the storm, they used it as a launchpad.
Ask yourself: What opportunities are being created because of the chaos?
2. Solve Real Pain Points
Airbnb thrived because people needed extra income and cheap lodging. Uber grew by solving transportation inefficiencies.
Your move: List 3–5 pain points your audience is dealing with right now. Brainstorm how your product, service, or offer could directly address those in a way that’s fast, clear, and valuable.
3. Think Like a Startup Again
Big ideas don’t need big budgets to start. Most recession-born companies began lean.
Challenge: Build a scrappy version of your next idea in 7 days. No polish. Just real-world feedback.
This “garage mindset” helps you test quickly and adapt even faster.
4. Find the Right People—Now
Downturns put great talent on the market. People who would normally be unavailable are open to new opportunities.
Ask: Can I bring on freelance or part-time help that upgrades my business today? Can I form a strategic collaboration that wasn’t possible a year ago?
5. Sharpen Your Story
Disney didn’t just create cartoons—they gave people hope during dark times. Slack didn’t just build a chat app—they solved an internal chaos problem and offered clarity to the world.
Reflect: What story is your business telling right now? Is it one of growth, hope, simplicity, or solutions?
6. Break the “Normal” Mold
Most of the businesses we admire didn’t follow the rules—they created new ones.
Coaching cue: What would you do differently if you weren’t worried about being judged or failing?
Let this be the season where you think unreasonably and act intentionally.
7. Host Your Own Reset: “Built for the Storm”
If you’re a leader, consider this: pull your team together and host a 1-hour “Built for the Storm” session. Walk through:
- 7 companies that launched in recessions
- 5 strategies to grow in hard times
- 3 key questions every business must answer today
Or, use this as a journal session for yourself to reboot your clarity and confidence.
Final Thought:
Recessions don’t kill businesses. They reveal and refine them. The ones that survive—and thrive—are the ones that adapt fast, stay lean, solve real problems, and tell the right story.
So instead of waiting for the storm to pass, build in it. You’re more ready than you think.
THINK BIG!
Jon
