By Bert Zethof

With the economy in a slump, I see many entrepreneurs exploring new business ideas by connecting with each other. People with very different backgrounds but with potentially powerful complementarity are collaborating to create the next business breakthroughs.

It will be fascinating to see the ultimate outcomes from all of these new connections and relationships being formed between people and between ideas. Some of these ventures will find traction, despite the weak economy (or because of), and take off, changing the business landscape yet again (the only constant is change).

To have a taste of the sheer inventiveness of the new business models that are emerging, look at the top ten fastest growing companies in the US as determined by Inc. Magazine in 2009. http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/index.html
All ten of these companies were established between 2000 and 2005 and are generating many millions of dollars in revenue.

#1 - Northern Capital Insurance - Property and casualty insurance with strict underwriting guidelines.

#2 - National Retirement Partners - Consulting for retirement planning and wealth management.

#3 - Harley Stanfield - Investment in and management of evironmentally sustainable residential and commercial properties.

#4 - Perfect Fitness - Online marketing of fitness equipment.

#5 - IntegraClick - Online, performance-based lead generation.

#6 - Kiva Systems - Design and manufacture of mobile robots for order fulfillment in warehouses.

#7 - Freedom Health - Administration of Medicare and Medicaid benefits in a way that maximizes value for the customers.

#8 - One Technologies - Online lead generation using pay-per-click.

#9 - MediaTrust - Digital marketing services.

#10 - Criterion Systems - Technology consulting and systems integration.

These ideas reflect an ability to tap into current market needs using the latest technologies.

Some tips for catching the next wave:

- Be clear about your strengths and talents
- Be part of the entrepreneurial conversation by getting out of the office to network and dialogue
- Put yourself in your customers' shoes and anticipate their needs
- Find and connect with collaborators
- Move quickly by using rapid prototyping to test your ideas

Rather than trying to predict the future, act to create your future!