"In robust times people are more forward-looking, and in leaner times the center of gravity shifts to existing companies, " says Corey.

FORBES: Wet Nurse Wanted

To some extent, they can anticipate the Balkan countries' needs by recalling their own habits in those leaner times.

ECONOMIST: Good neighbours

And he is in the process of identifying a lot of different ways that we can reorganize government to make it work better, leaner and more efficiently for the American people, because we are in times where everybody has got to tighten their belts and do things in the most effective and efficient way.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing