New Economy - What's that all about?

I don't recall which pundit first talked about our 'New Economy' but those two words have been warmly embraced and are now uttered more and more often.

Personally, I don't understand what's really new about it - unless it's simply an attempt to distance ourselves from the 'old' economy which got broken.

The term 'New' (along with its close cousin 'Improved') has been used by advertisers to persuade us to buy, almost since the beginning of time.  And after we have bought, all too often we're left wondering what's different from the original item that this 'new' version has replaced.

When we welcome in a New Year, it could be partly because we don't have any choice in the matter; January 1st is going to arrive whether we like it or not.  Perhaps what we really welcome is the possibility that the new year will be better than the previous 12 months - and it's a good excuse for a party!

Talking about a new economy certainly sounds rather brave and hopeful doesn't it?  Especially after living for so long with the dreaded 'r' word.

Here are some of my thoughts about the changes I believe small businesses need to make so that a new economy will work for them:

• I hope business owners will fight against sinking back into the ruts of complacency with a 'thank goodness that's over with' mindset.  Instead they must be on the alert to both potential opportunities and threats.

• They will need to think differently and take different actions in order to succeed in a business environment which bears little resemblance to the one we left behind with the old economy.

• They will also need to take up the reins of responsibility and resist the temptation to blame anyone or anything else for the profitability of their ventures.

Lean times forced us to look for more cost-effective ways to operate - and the internet has provided many solutions (thanks to the generosity of the online community).  From social networking to cloud computing to online marketing - all the tools are in place for those who are willing to learn how to use them to best effect, if they haven't already done so.

But all this is really only natural progress, isn't it.  So what IS going to be really different about the New Economy?  Can anyone tell me?