Ivan was the worst for us here in Atlanta. We endured 17 hours without power, flooding in the basement and scenes that looked like the day after – well, a hurricane. The winds were frightening at times and the rain was punishing. Still, there is wisdom to be had – especially as it applies to a business.

1. Hurricanes are the result of an imbalance in nature. Even though we dread them, our planet needs a way to repair itself. Without storms, there would be even more unpleasant consequences.

Similarly, we need balance in our businesses, too. For instance, so many entrepreneurs think that when they need more profits, the answers is to work harder and longer. I have frequently bought into this way of thinking myself. But the truth is that driving ourselves harder and harder only results in exhaustion, mental fatigue, physical degeneration and more frequent mistakes. And that doesn't begin to count the toll on relationships and family life. Our work needs to be balanced by rest and recreation and time spent with loved ones. Otherwise, we might develop our own version of a hurricane.

2. Whenever we're without anything that we normally rely on, (like my treasured DSL connection!) we feel deprived, grumpy and resentful. But it's a good lesson in gratitude, if we choose to see it that way. We are all guilty of taking our blessings for granted. Being without them for a brief spell can open our eyes to how fortunate we really are.

What a privilege it is to live in a time in history that allows us to have a web based business. Up until very recent history, the only business owners were the beneficiaries of either large amounts of land, huge amounts of capital or an accident of birth. With the net, anyone can afford to begin a business. Success surely isn't guaranteed, but that is the story of all life so we can't complain too much about that.

3. Whenever I am without electricity, gas or water, I reflect on how vulnerable our civilization really is. It's not healthy to get too smug about our lives or our business. Without a healthy level of vigilance, it's easy to slide into a lazy complacency.

Of course, it's not hard to be philosophical once the storm has passed. Not so easy while it's going on. Speaking of which, here comes Jeanne ... and Kurt ... and ... Groan.