Great post Steve. I tend to agree with your comments. I also believe that a recession is a wonderful time to build partnerships, but then again, this seems to be an idea that not everyone in Europe subscribes to.

Take into consideration the UK for example. I recently gave a presentation at the Startup Overseas Conference in London where my bit was "Can you afford not to do business in Europe?" Even though the UK is in the worst recession it has experienced in 60 years and that the UK Chancellor has predicted flat or negative GDP growth next year, nearly all the SME & Startups I spoke to in 2 days were averse to the idea of trying to expand "abroad" into Europe via or with partners.

I agree with your statement that "this is EXACTLY the right time to build, partner, grow and prepare for the eventual recovery." Partnering provides strength, combines resources, reduces costs, shares profits and a multitude of other benefits in tough economic times. We actively search for just such like-minded companies to do busines with. Great post Steve.