Leading off.

When speaking in business terms, growth almost always implies a positive connotation. Generally, it means more productivity, more revenue creation and hence, more wealth distribution. It means either a bigger piece of the pie, or in keeping with the rising-tide-raises-all-ships mentality that is preferred around here, it can mean a bigger pie for us all to enjoy. In short, it can be the most enjoyable, prosperous and rewarding period of any businessperson's career.

Yet growth can also lead to more stress, headaches, issues and problems. Aside from mere survival that many startup companies face, (or perhaps re-face later in the business cycle), managing growth can be the single-most daunting task to undertake.

As simplistic as it sounds, I believe, much like beauty, the perception of growth is very much in the eye of the beholder. Almost in all cases, growth requires a capital investment. Like the old saying goes, it takes money to make money. Therefore, if growth means going outside one's comfort zone in terms of fiscal prudence, then it will certainly be looked upon as a stressful, difficult transition. On the other hand, however, if growth is perceived as an opportunity, and this capital infusion is seen as an investment in an even more solid foundation, which will in turn lead to greater returns and prosperity in the future, then the transition will become a much more stress-free path to follow.

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I bring all of this up for two reasons: first, with the growing economy that we're experiencing (dare I say enjoying), many Saskatchewan firms are facing their own growth opportunities. If your company has not experienced this already, chances are there will be growth opportunities for your consideration in the not-too-distant future. And secondly, we here at Sask Business, and more directly the mother corp of Sunrise Publishing, are experiencing firsthand what growth can do. Challenged by this reality, we're also trying to determine what it could potentially do down the road.

Ironically, this growth opportunity comes at a time when things are quite comfortable around here (although because of its inherent risky nature associated with high overhead and low margins, comfortable may be a bit of a stretch in the publishing world). But indeed, we're celebrating a landmark year for two reasons. First, 2008 marks the 15th anniversary of Sunrise Publishing. And secondly, it will also mark the start of 30th anniversary celebrations for Sask Business. Although we're certainly proud of these two distinctions, we know that there's a whole new business world out there each and every day. Therefore, to rest on one's laurels and remain status quo as the rest of the economy flourishes is indeed to step backwards.

When I think of growth and its opportunities and challenges, I always heed Yanke CEO Russel Marcoux's words in how his company manages growth: to find the appropriate clients (in Yanke's case, generally Fortune 500-type), who are experiencing their own growth and grow your operation accordingly to meet their needs.

Not bad advice. Enjoy the ride.

Keith Moen, Editor

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