• the essence of "value" in the coming year
• the key to successful communications
• human resource issues
• marketing iconology
• and, naturally, the likely role of soon-to-be President Obama

I flatter myself that the material may be of interest to some, and if you would like a complimentary copy of the report please just drop me an e-mail at smw@stevenmarkweiss.com. Please put "2009 Report" in the subject line and send your contact information (confidentiality will be respected).

(EXCERPT) Assets

It is a bit ironic that in an era during which so much blame for economic crisis is being
placed at the door of financial 'experts,' the auguries suggest a universal desire for a strong executive hand in our investment activities and general allocation of assets. Rather than the casino-like vibe of the markets, however, a metaphor that suggests itself is ship-building, an activity in which the master ship builder and the vessel's captain play godlike roles in the serious and dangerous mission of eventually getting everyone safely across the ocean to the new land. Issues of concentrated attention and the deep appreciation of an organic cyclical wholeness to the flow of material and human assets are very much in play right now. The auguries suggest that it will indeed be hard for many too refrain from headstrong speculation, as the desire to recoup recent losses quickly is strong but those who find the development of long-term strategy constraining had better practice the phrase "easy come, easy go."


As for a December report, I'm giving myself the month off.  Pass the nog.