"If you don't find growth, you make it..."

...wrote Odysseus Elytis inviting us to transcend the laws of nature.

The "nature" of man, not the real one. Avoiding conflict with the rules of nature that lead to an endless succession of the four seasons, we cannot ignore our own "nature". The nature of man, which is in turn characterized by an endless succession of emotions that dominate him. Emotions that are influenced by the environment in which we live (economic, social, political, value). By factors that are essentially external (as opposed to emotions that belong to our inner world) but which, when they affect us, dominate our behaviour.

For most business activities, it seems an oxymoron to talk about growth in such an environment: the public's purchasing power is gradually declining and money on the market is becoming scarcer not only because it is disappearing, but also because what is left on the market is - because of the prevailing insecurity - much harder to get out of our customers' pockets. In addition to this, increased taxes and contributions make the survival of a business look like a Calvary and profitability sound like ... resurrection. Countless businesses have closed and several others are experiencing a permanent "business winter".

It is possible, therefore, to come "Spring" (i.e. Developed byh) in such times?

We believe that YES, it is. As long as the necessary steps are taken correctly, thoughtfully and carefully. After all, winter does not last forever and spring comes by law immediately after its end. As long as it finds us alive.

To survive the harsh winter, a living organism takes the necessary measures: it dresses and feeds itself properly, does not consume unhealthy energy and of course takes the necessary rest. There are enough examples in the history of evolution where several living organisms achieve survival when they cooperate and march towards Spring in (n)groups. They exploit shared energy and share resources (fire, food, etc.). They start, move and reach the same destination together. And they enjoy the warm days that will come after winter.

In times of recession, synergies find the right ground to flourish. Cooperative networks, groups of professionals and businesses with common goals and values. Examples of business partnerships with complementary products and services often show us that a synergy does not simply produce a result corresponding to the sum of the effort of its members, but a multiple. The pressures of the economic downturn are causing many to look at the situation differently (and often with less arrogance or pride) and to 'sit at the table' with some who were once considered traditional competitors. They are achieving better deals with common suppliers, reaching out with joint outreach activities, larger audiences capable of absorbing multiple production.

"The crisis has opportunities..." we often hear. As long as you keep your eyes and ears open. And don't stop trying to evolve, adapt and grow. Keep moving. Because if you simply seek to sustain yourself based on the belief that "you're getting it now", when things get tough, the struggle will be even more uneven. Inaction = death. Just as with the wrong choices.

But why grow and how, right?

• Because your competitor who withdraws leaves a part of the market "uncovered", which if you don't claim it, someone else will and you will remain as you are...stagnant, flirting with obscurity.
• Because the market is filled with experienced managers and employees and you have access to recruiting high quality staff more cost-effectively than ever before.
• Because the market has executives and staff with the appetite and need to work, exceeding in performance (not necessarily hours) the average of the last 20 years.
• Because it is certain that if you don't target a larger audience, in an international market, the local one will soon not be enough to sustain you.
• Because today technology is not only more accessible but also more mature and you are given countless tools to enhance your business.
• Because now more than ever, the mechanisms (partners, tools, institutions, etc.) exist to do the right research, the right analysis and the right planning to move more safely into the future.
• Because if there is real value in what you offer, the market (whatever industry you are in) will appreciate it even more. In times of recession, it is common for businesses to sacrifice 'value offered or added' in favour of temporary (and consequently) apparent profitability. Again, if you don't believe in the value of what you offer, then you have no reason to read this article...