The usual holiday slowdown?

The expected slowdown in business has taken place the last couple of weeks but now I'm wondering if this is the usual yearly slowdown due to the holiday season (actually one year we were super busy) or is it the economy in general?  It's going to be a really interesting first quarter!  Everyone I've spoken to on the agency side of things is expecting a fairly substancial dip in sales and profits. I guess only time will tell what exactly happens as we begin 2009. So as the HOLIDAZE approach, I invite everyone to please chime in!  (no pun intended)

Submitted by Joe Refano on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 11:19am.
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Submitted by S. Brian Wilson (not verified) on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 11:03am.
As we look toward the new year, I am reminded of the early 90's when the economy was soft and large companies were laying off tens of thousands of workers. Since then, employees have continued to be commoditized and "right-sized". The good news is that the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity of people of all ages allows for small to medium size businesses to create new opportunities (including jobs). It is this group of companies that will "upsize" our future economic landscape. As telecommuting once again becomes fashionable, some people will venture out on their own, and learn how to provide new value and services. Like all adventures, rengineering oneself can be extremely scary, but at the same time very interesting. In the end, we can rely on our friends and family to lend spirit, moral and even sometimes financial support. Good luck to everyone in 2009 and Happy New Year!!