In his new book, The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century, George Friedman focuses his considerable talents as a strategy forecaster to paint a scenario of what's ahead in the coming decades. While the book centers on geopolitical possibilities (smaller global wars that are less deadly, Mexico's rise as a world power), technology developments (rise of robotics, space-based energy resources), and social issues (population imbalances causing economic shifts), it's Friedman's method of looking ahead that I found just as intriguing for soloists. Want to cast a glance at your future? Consider:

1. What's the developmental age of your business?
Friedman observes that the United States is still a relatively young nation, at best an adolescent -- complete with a powerful will that often leads it in contradictory directions. (Friedman says this is not a criticism as much as a statement that the USA is a young culture.) While most solo businesses are by nature operating on a much shorter time frame, where would you place your business on a developmental timeline? Are you asking too much -- or too little -- of your business for its age and development?

2. What cycles are evident in your business?
Friedman notes that the USA follows 50-year cycles in its economic and social trends, and that we're currently in the middle of one that began with Reagan's election in 1980. While you may accept or reject his thesis, what may be more revealing is to consider what patterns or cycles you might see in your solo venture.

3. Consider a long-term assessment -- really long-term.
This book was written, Friedman says, for his children and grandchildren, since he will never be in a position to know the accuracy of his forecasts. What might your grandchildren say about you and your solo business in the years ahead? How might that change your actions today?

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

P.S. A warm welcome to our new subscribers this week. Be sure to check out the Working Solo Minute archive to catch up on previous issues.