These are certainly interesting times- and they are about to get way more interesting. We’ve got an economy that has hit new highs, unemployment at its lowest in decades, and a GDP growth of 3.2%- above expectations. The civilized world is mostly at peace, with the occasional war-borne terrorism that randomly pops up. 

Basically, things have been going relatively well. But, it seems pretty apparent things are about to change.

We have a narcissistic, caricature idiot for a president who spends his time on Twitter causing rifts more than actually coming up with solutions and plans. We have the nations of the world laughing at us. We have increased racism, violence, and people who “think they can do anything now.” For the first time in my life, I actually feel unsafe in my own country. Yes, I live in my little bubble in Santa Monica (which is by design), but even in this place, the vestiges of “dumb” American post-factual culture are creeping in. One can actually feel it in the air. 

Without going too deep into a political rabbit hole (because I detest politics), I’ll say this: now is the time for opportunity. 

NOW is the time for one to start their own enterprise, or grow in an existing one. 

Why? 

When the whole world is busy examining Trump’s tweets, distracted by the tumult and nonsense he is raising everywhere, focus is lost. The American public gets simpler (I almost said “dumber”), more suggestible, and easier to market to (*wink wink*). Trump is easing financial regulations that will actually help small businesses, for better or worse. While people jibber jabber about how Ivanka lost her fashion line at Nordstrom’s, one can start their own damn fashion line and launch it online (or even get into Nordstrom’s for that matter!). 

Basically, the wolf is watching the chicken coop, and the chickens are running everywhere. No one is watching the proverbial store. Now is the time to launch a business. Now is the time to flourish amidst confusion. 

It is, in this twisted, cynical way, that a business owner can thrive in this jacked up administration. Because who knows what the next 4 years holds? As my friend Mark says, it’s time to “make hay while the sun shines.” 

The sun is shining, in a weird creepy way.