First it's the FDIC assessment. Then it's the problem loans. Then it's the solid diet of regulations consuming your time.

What's next?

Opportunities, that's what. If ABA's chief economist is right, and if the demographics specialist Harry Dent has it nailed, we have 10 years of... well, opportunities. You and I both know that's code for "problems"—but for the truly wise, those "problems" are going to be the opportunity of our lifetimes.

While so many banks are choking in the dust, distracted with the task of cleaning up their messes, a few others will understand that they can use this time to pull away the very best prospects from the distracted majority—and do it at premium pricing.

It's time to get wise. Credit specialists must develop genius, your business development people must become masters of the trade, your retail front line must develop brilliance about how to win over customers and ALL of their business.

This is a time where same ol', same ol' just won't cut it. It's time to be wise. We're in for a decade of extreme opportunities for those who are awake.