Why 2008 Sucked, In A Good Way

Published by Mike Michalowicz (Google+)


Before you get on your high horse and slam me for posting this blog “well into 2009,” understand that I waited a few weeks to make sure that sucky 2008 didn’t somehow,  some way, sneak back.  That’s how crappy the year was.  But there is a silver lining to the 2008 storm, and let’s intend 2009 to be the rainbow.

You're Fired

You're Fired!
Why It Sucked: If you didn’t get laid off in 2008, one of your friends did. More info...
In a Good Way: This is the greatest wake up, smell the coffee, take off the diapers, be the man or woman that you are, and follow your dreams, opportunity of all time. This will force the decision for many to turn their hobbies into money making businesses. Historically the greatest companies are spawned during the toughest of times. More info...

No One Is Buying

Not Interested
Why It Sucked: This past holiday season was the worst retail season in decades. More info...
In a Good Way: That means a whole lot less useless items were purchased and less crap was thrown in the garbage. It also means a lot less junk is being made. Entrepreneurs delivering the best products and services will win. More info...

Oil - Is It Up or Down?

Barrels of Oil
Why It Sucked: Prices peaked at $147.30 per barrel in 2008 (ouch) and then slid to below $40 per barrel in December of 2008. The spike was painful, and the drop is only bitter sweet due to the global recession. More info...
In a Good Way: Spawned the strongest interest in new modes of transportation ever. Entrepreneurs exploited the perfect media opportunity bringing electric cars to national attention. Cargo may move around the world in a whole new way, too.  More info...

Bank Blowup

Piggy bank fix
Why It Sucked: Greed galore. Mismanaged loans. Lending came to a stand still. More info...
In a Good Way: There is still lots of money out there, it is just being spent and lent a lot more wisely. Entrepreneurs need to rethink the way they are building their businesses. Spending to get rich won’t work any more. More info...

Bernard Madoff

Burning money
Why It Sucked: December 11, 2008 the FBI arrest Bernard Madoff on criminal charges of securities fraud. Madoff was running a Ponzi scheme that has lost a purported $50 billion for its investors. More info...
In a Good Way: Madoff was turned in by his two sons. Maybe they WON'T follow in Daddy's footsteps. More info...

By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

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Category: Managing Focus
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  • http://www.geektimedesign.com Alexander Fowler

    Rationally, I know what you are saying. Each problem presents an opportunity. However, at this point, I have such an irrational hatred for last year that I find it hard to see anything good coming out of the year that cannot be named. As for waiting to make sure the year didn’t resurrect its crappiness – that’s not being paranoid. That’s being wise to the way of the devil year!

  • Mike Michalowicz

    @Alexander… let your anger out. Let the anger grow in you… join the dark side…. I am your father.

    - Darth Vador

  • Eric

    I thought 2008 was great. I thought it ended well with the oil dropping 70%. I appreciated the raise I got, and the fact that I still have a job. My friend started a business that is looking better all the time. I bought my first investment house in 2008. And, finally, I learned all my greatest lessons in the stock market. I lost 90% of my money. But then got an account with updown.com and put those lessons to use. I ended up making 20% in December…

    My 401k is bottomed out, but now I am buying at a bottom market. yay me!

    I would say that this was one of the best years for me, educationwise…

    I’m sorry it sucked for so many people. But look back and see what you have learned.

  • http://www.geektimedesign.com Alexander Fowler

    @admin… slow deep breaths. 2009 is starting off fantastically for my biz, so it makes it easier to forget the year that was.

  • http://tipfallon.blogspot.com Tip

    As you said in the book – I look at 2008 like a forest fire. It sucks, but at the same time, there’s no choice but to improve. And you know damn well we’re going to improve with some much needed experiential learning in our back pocket – which increases chances of much better decisions in ’09. So, tough year, but we’re still as alive as ever and got a long way to go.

  • http://www.officetracker.com Kelly Hayes

    Not sure I can agree on this “in a good way” metaphor.

    But then again maybe the Obama team could call you in for some consulting on optimism!

  • http://www.teenentrepreneurblog.com Shonika Proctor, Teen Biz Coach

    2008 was Year of the Rat and I am a Rat. So I have to say it was an AWESOME and productive year for me. 2009 has already started off on a high note and is going to rock as well!!!