A less visible but possibly more lasting reaction to our changed world is a focus on things that really matter: Family, community, home and values - what trend watcher Faith Popcorn calls 'cocooning.'

It is a term Popcorn coined back in 1984 as a reaction to news of time: environmental problems, overindulged Yuppies and conspicuous consumption of Reagan era - all of which were surpassed by excesses of decade we just completed. The first years of this century will accelerate that trend, she says.

It's 'about insulation and avoidance,' Popcorn told Los Angeles Times. 'We know now that it's important to understand other cultures and international politics. But we're going to learn by watching TV and reading, not by traveling.'

Popcorn says that 'men and women are functioning more as partners instead of adversaries.' She told Times that families will decide together on big purchases, 'rather than men buying their toys, and women saving for their luxuries. The question will be, what does family need rather than what does individual want?'

Sell products that answer that question and you may well ride latest economic wave:

--> Anecdotal evidence indicates that new world order has prompted Americans to appreciate simple pleasures of life. The 'simple' movement has been in force for some time; events of last several weeks may accelerate it. Working parents may not be so willing to work longer hours to afford bigger homes - look for increased demand for home improvement. Furniture, decorating and cooking will be in.

--> Demand for home security is likely to increase, as will home entertainment.

--> Between threat of layoffs and desire to be with family, trend toward working at home may grow at an even faster rate than in previous years. Home office furniture, equipment and supplies will continue to be in demand. Interest should grow in network marketing and other easily financed home business programs.

September 11 may have marked end of world as we knew it - but not end of world, or your home business, which may emerge from this period stronger than ever.

If customer service is hot issue, there's only one word you need to remember: communication. You should keep in constant touch with all your customers, especially unhappy ones. Let them know what kind of progress you're making on their order, when you expect their project to be finished, and when they should have it in their hands. Express your desire to please them, and apologize profusely for mistakes. Whatever you do, don't blame foul-ups on customer, even if you'd be right. Accept responsibility, apologize, and speedily correct problem.

Last but not least, always ask customers if there is anything else you can do for them. Give them your phone number or email address (even if they already have it) and ask them to contact you if they ever need anything else.

To make a long story short, customer may not ALWAYS be right, but they ARE lifeblood of your business. Even if they're difficult to deal with, remember that if they're happy, your bottom line will be happy, too. Even ones who complain can be turned around and made into repeat customers.