Justin Severidt is the Co-Founder of Optimized Digital Media . Optimized Digital Media specializes in web-based video and social media marketing solutions for businesses of all sizes. Justin is a successful entrepreneur who has used proven Web-based marketing strategies to grow multiple businesses. Justin also co-founded Pet Doctors of America , which was recently named Inc. Magazine’s 500|5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.

Business growth can be a daunting task in any environment, but in an environment such as the current economic turmoil we find ourselves in, business growth   seems more like an impossibility.  However, this does not have to be the case.  In fact, economic downturns can be catalysts to more growth than would have been possible given normal conditions.  This may seem a bit odd, but nevertheless it is always the case.  The reason being is that whenever the economy turns south there is a cleansing process that occurs that weeds out those that were only in business because of the high flying economy.  Anyone can run a business during an upswing in the economy, however, when the tide turns many that were getting by in the bull market begin to shut their doors, giving your business market share and then some.

This is a natural byproduct of a downturn in the economy.  Accordingly, if you had a solid business model before the downturn, staying the course will likely lead to growth in the end.  However, if you really want to catapult to new heights the downturn can provide the recipe for tremendous growth.  Much of the recession is based on a certain fear that pervades our society.  This fear cripples most business creativity and ingenuity, when creativity is exactly what is needed to raise to new heights.

All systems go through similar contraction and expansion cycles.  In order for real growth to occur, the system must break down before reorganizing at a higher level.  Business works in the same way.  The difference is most systems are completely out of our direct control so we let the process happen naturally, without any resistance to the process.  But when it comes to our business, it is ours, we have built it up to this point and we like what we have done.  As such, we refuse to allow the process to happen and miss the signs that are right in front of us, telling us our business model is outdated and in need of an update.

I believe this is largely the reason for the seemingly dismal conditions present in the current economy.  Our culture is in the midst of a major shift from manufacturing into the information, service and connection age.  Many individuals and businesses are resisting this process with all their might.  Why?  Because this threatens the business as usual model and big corporations dominating the market and buying up any real competition that exists.  With the advent of the information and connectivity available anyone can start a business and dominate the slow moving bureaucracies of large corporations rather quickly.  This provides a huge opportunity for any business, large or small, to grow very quickly in a short period of time.  The key is allowing the process to happen and staying open to the many new opportunities that are springing up in every industry every day.