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“ There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home ,” said Kenneth H . Olsen , then president of Digital Equipment Corporation , in 1977 . It ’ s no surprise you might not know of Olsen or his company . His poor foresight set his business on the wrong course .

I ’ m not here to pick on Olsen ; he and Digital succeeded in other areas , and he later claimed his words were taken out of context . Plus , the personal computer was an infant at the time , and the future of digital technology in our lives was uncertain , to say the least .

Uncertainty v . Risk Olsen ’ s mistake was to quickly dismiss the personal computer right as it was booting up into our lives . Instead of acknowledging the uncertainty of the thing we now take for granted , he dismissed it . By doing so , he eliminated immediate risk from his business , but he also unplugged a powerful opportunity .

Nobody likes uncertainty , but it ain ’ t going away .

GLENN HANSEN

That is the one thing of which I am certain . Politicians and investors like to say that “ the markets don ’ t like uncertainty .” Fine , maybe that ’ s true . But it ’ s like saying you don ’ t like rain , in April . You can say it and mean it . Still , you need to own a good raincoat .

Outdoor power equipment retailers , suppliers , and manufacturers face uncertainty right now . What is the Federal Reserve going to do with interest rates when it meets next ? How might electrification of tools and vehicles change the service model for shops ? Will inventory levels get back to the right side ? How will spring weather impact landscape pros and farmers ? Where will I find the people I need to fully staff a business ? Will major league baseball ’ s new pitch timer shorten game times or just anger pitchers ? Okay , I tossed that last one in just to see if you were paying attention .

Every business professional faces uncertainty . You do . I do . We know that at the dawn of each workday . And we control what we can . Or you choose not to face uncertainty , like Mr . Olsen did with his decision about home computers . You can make similar decisions right now . Just be honest with yourself and your team about the choices you make .

Uncertainty is Opportunity I have uncertainty right now about this industry . And as much as I can , I turn that into an opportunity . My uncertainty comes from being the new guy in the office , thanks for letting me join you . I ’ ve been around publishing and communications for many years , covering the motorcycle and ATV industries , as well as home improvement , woodworking and the DIY lifestyle . Basically , I love tools and vehicles . I ’ m going to do my best to supply information that helps you turn uncertainty into opportunity . I look forward to working with you and would love to connect . Find me on LinkedIn if that ’ s your thing or send me an email at ghansen @ epgacceleration . com . OPEB

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4 OPE Business March 2023 www . OPEBusiness . com