Silver Linings

By Glen Gardner, marketing and brand consultant

Watching and listening to the coverage of the recent heat wave and drought hitting much of the country reminded me that in many “bad” situations there are potentially good outcomes for many businesses.

As I’m writing this, the temperature here in Cedar Rapids is cracking through the 100 degree mark. I’ve seen stories about the disastrous impact of the heat on many sectors of the economy. For sure, there will be many negative impacts, from higher corn prices to farmers suffering huge losses.

There will also be winners. The point was driven home to me when I was talking with a farmer earlier in the week. She grows corn and pumpkins.  She told me the corn crop is looking really bad with the sweet corn already a total loss. She also told me the pumpkin crop was thriving and the dry weather meant there would be less labor needed to wash the pumpkins when they are harvested.

I noticed the same phenomenon when I talked to people about the flooding that plagued Cedar Rapids four years ago. There were many businesses that were destroyed or damaged, but there were others that thrived. The demolition business got a huge shot in the arm as did the construction sector that has been busy rebuilding damaged parts of the city.

I also talked with a catering company and a pizza restaurant that had their best years ever during the flooding. People needed prepared food and those companies were in a position to provide it.

So, where is the silver lining in the challenges your business faces? It takes creativity and courage, but often times there is opportunity in adversity.