Bill Myers - October 3, 2008

On it's maiden voyage, the captain of the Titanic had been warned of dangerous waters - with icebergs ahead.

His response - maintain course, but post an extra lookout.

When an iceberg appeared 300 yards dead ahead, the first officer ordered an abrupt turn to starboard.

But it was too late, the iceberg ripped open 6 of the ship's water tight compartments, and the unsinkable ship sank, taking 1,500 lives to the bottom of the sea.

In your own business, don't wait till you see icebergs dead ahead before you make changes to adjust for dangerous conditions.

Have a 5 year plan, and a 6 month plan, and keep adjusting your 6 month plan to changing conditions around you.

One of the biggest advantages of being a small independent product developer is we have the flexibility to maneuver quickly, to change course as needed, and to avoid dangerous waters when necessary.

Right now is a good time to review your 6 month and 5 year plans, and adjust your target markets and upcoming products to meet the changing conditions in the world around us.