It's such a tough bear market right now that most companies have lowered earnings forecasts and are wondering whether they can weather this storm through next year. With roller-coaster volatility in worldwide stock markets, rising unemployment, the housing market bust, chaos in the in banking industry, and who knows what’s next, what good can possibly come out of it?

Based on the theory of survival of the fittest, only companies with a sound business plan and true customer value will stay in business. Looking back at the high-tech bubble-burst, is it really such a shock that gazoontite.com went out of business? Even webvan.com, which did provide value for their customers - was their national coverage ever a competitive advantage over the local grocery stores who deliver?

This financial crisis will clearly eliminate many companies that do not have a sound business plan which focuses on long-term profitability. Ensure you’re not just a me-too company and that your customers understand your value proposition. And, here’s something to look forward to: if you do survive this economic downturn, you will emerge in a healthier market with much fewer competitors to worry about.

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