"Sure this is a startup-forum so it effects funding etc but still."
It affects just about everything. I remember during the last big downturn, there was a piece on the BBC about a couple who had lost everything they had, in part because she had been a Herbalife [v. big in the 80s] sales person, and (as she put it) "when people are feeling the pinch the first thing they can do without is a herbal dietary supplement." Her business died almost overnight.
Now, maybe your startup idea is about something which gives real value and reduces costs of some vital business process. But if it's not, this will bite you very hard indeed. And even if it is, you might still find your potential customers are very cost-averse.
Personally, I see this downturn as a big opportunity, but it will be accompanied by plenty of pain first.
Maybe, but the point is she was making a very comfortable living, then she wasn't. I can see plenty of weak-as-water social networking sites, etc, going the same way.
Well, the sad part of pyramid scams is that the victims are also the perpetrators. An Herbalife salesperson is probably making the world a worse place. So, it is sad, but it is probably better for the world if they lose their job.
It affects just about everything. I remember during the last big downturn, there was a piece on the BBC about a couple who had lost everything they had, in part because she had been a Herbalife [v. big in the 80s] sales person, and (as she put it) "when people are feeling the pinch the first thing they can do without is a herbal dietary supplement." Her business died almost overnight.
Now, maybe your startup idea is about something which gives real value and reduces costs of some vital business process. But if it's not, this will bite you very hard indeed. And even if it is, you might still find your potential customers are very cost-averse.
Personally, I see this downturn as a big opportunity, but it will be accompanied by plenty of pain first.