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The fourth quarter of 2008 was a tumultuous time, to say the least. A presidential election was taking place. Commodity prices were volatile. As the economy was in turmoil and bailouts and loans seemed the only ways to salvage the financial and automotive sectors of the economy, Roofing Contractor and Architectural Roofing & Waterproofing magazines turned to contractors to take the pulse of the roofing industry in an exclusive survey sponsored by GAF Materials Corporation.

The economy, the stock market, unemployment … I got it, we all get it. I’m not going to spend any more time on it.

Basketball Hall of Famer and Emmy-winning broadcaster Bill Walton will be the keynote speaker at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on Feb. 3 where he is sure to grab the attention of the thousands of roofers who are looking for a winning formula in the industry.

Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of leaders generating optimism among consumers.

For the last few years, anything green has received incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of green.

I recently spoke with Allen Bradley, the CEO and President of Amerisafe Inc., a provider of high hazard workers compensation insurance. With approximately 40 percent of its business in the construction industry, including more than 8 percentage points of premium from roofing contractors, Amerisafe has seen the economic downturn take its toll on its clients.

The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know we could pick better partners.

The construction market stinks. The stock market brings constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day. Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are filing for bankruptcy.

Sales the lifeblood of any business, and selling becomes even more important in a tough economy. I recently spoke with Rick Davis, the president of Building Leaders Inc., a Chicago-based sales training company, who shared with me some tips for selling in a down market.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.