Change. Who would have thought that such a small, monosyllabic word would carry as much meaning as this word has over the past year? While I lack the authority to formally decree this, I think it is fair to say that "change" was the buzzword of 2008. So let's ask the question: what change can we expect in 2009?

After reading the first few sentences, the word "change" for many of you probably evoked thoughts of President-Elect Obama (and by doing so, justified the paychecks of the PR pros employed on his campaign staff). I think it is fair to say that a new president, regardless of party affiliation, represents a considerable amount of change. I'll allow others to decide what that means for America in their own blogs. I am just a humble observer. Did I successfully manage to eschew any political entanglements just now?

But this idea of change goes beyond the political realm. For starters, it is official: America is in a recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially declared it this past Monday. Stocks fell, retailers swooned, cats and dogs rained from the sky (OK, so that last thing didn't happen). According to the NBER, this recession will likely last until 2010. The economic environment of 2009 will perpetuate change in many forms, whether it is a family changing spending habits or a business adopting more cost-effective practices. While the times ahead may be tough, take solace in the fact that difficult times often act as catalysts for great advancements. In times of need, necessity is truly the mother of invention.

The way we communicate with one another will continue to change as new, innovative digital tools and methods appear and existing tools and methods mature. Think about where you were before you got that iPhone or you started using your DVR; the future holds all sorts of advancements like those in store. Just ask one of the TechnoMavens here at Killswitch about the exciting new things around the corner, and they'll fill your ears with more knowledge than you can handle. It is safe to predict that people will have even more ways to interact with one another, consume their media and conduct their business in the near future.

For us here at The Killswitch Collective, the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in 2009 present pathways for growth and progression for our company. We intend to remain plugged in to this ever-changing world and will strive to be prescient of future trends, technologies and business climates. I always find that someone has said what I intend to say better, so here is a quote by George Bernard Shaw:

The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.

On that note, Killswitch will be happy to take your measurements!

Author's Note
A few things that will not change: The Cubs will not win the Series, Reality TV will continue to proliferate, Britney Spears will continue to infatuate us all, and I will abandon (as always) my resolution to quit smoking shortly after January 1st.