On Wall Street, various scandals have made executives and managers leery of stepping up to take on the regulators during one of the most tumultous times in American history. When Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase was hit with multiple inestigations and a 5.8 Billion dollar loss, other executives declined to exert any leadership at all. The problem for Wall Street is that this leaves the stock market and banking very vulnerable to a slough of regulations from the Federal government. Ultimately, the cost of regulations will trickle down the consumer trying to get a loan for a small business or a house. Banking costs will go up, and the entire economy will begin to feel the void of leadership.

Every industry needs a champion to stand up and defend the good of their industry. Regardless of what you do, there needs to be somebody who can speak, and others will listen. As you grow your small business, become an expert at what you do and what your clients do. Take the time to learn what needs your industry has, beyond what pertains to your company. If you can be that voice for your clients, then you will earn their trust and their respect, and consequently grow your business.