SurThrival in the economy: don't just survive, thrive.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: FROM THE EDITOR

A lot of companies are worried about survival in the current economy--still others have an inkling they are going to survive and want to also thrive. Enter Northrim Bank. For years now they have been hosting an annual economic forecast luncheon in April so as to have a peek at the first quarter of the year (and to have good data for the previous year) before trying to figure out what's to come and how to cope. They've developed a new word for this year: SurThrival. It's destined to be an aid to business success.

There are three main tips in the introductory phase of the SurThrival movement, which Northrim is so stoked about they are going to start offering a series of Tuesday talks for folks to learn how to be successful. Initially, we're given three SurThrival components at SurThriveAK.com:

Cash Flow is the Key to SurThrival

Cash is key to SurThriving. Free up more of it by reducing your inventory holding levels or renegotiating your accounts payable terms.

Focus On Customers

Understand how your customer's purchasing habits change with the economy. Learning their behavior in good times and bad will help your business adapt.

Rethink Your Business Model

If the...