"F" survives

The "Big Three", which should have been the big two (Chrysler isn't really on the same scale), looked bad in front of Congress. They (specifically Mr. Wagner of GM) came across poorly. Alan Mulally of Ford managed to hold his own.

What did we hear? We heard that GM is screwed. Chrysler is screwed and Ford will probably survive. Say what? Yes - we heard it from the UAW Chief and from the three amigos. This is a gift. Go back and watch the whole thing with this conclusion in mind. It is so. Ford (F) is the survivor.

There you have it.

We sell for less! Here's how.

If what we sell is easily available elsewhere, we have to do everything that surrounds the transaction better in order to compete. However, we shouldn't / can't / must not forget that price, or at least the perception about price tells people that ours is low. Just because we say it won't create belief, but if we don't bother to say it, we drop a level of consideration. We can't afford not to be considered - ever. It's almost an obligatory / courtesy claim. "No one sells for less", or words to that effect - is a must.

To make our point logically absorbable (is that a word?), we should say why or how we do it. Deliver a story that explains how we're able to sell for less. Complete the picture.

There's more of course, but it won't matter unless we get considered. We could always go with..

It's official - the market is down!

The Money Hole

Absolutely terrific stuff!


In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Don't believe it

You may be tempted at some point to try to make a million dollars. To do it without a lot of effort or skill or risk. Using a system, some shortcut perhaps, or mortgaging something you already own.

There are countless infomercials and programs and systems that promise to help you do this. There are financial instruments and investments and documents you can sign that promise similar relief from financial stress.

Resist.

There are four ways to make a million dollars. Luck. Patient effort. Skill. Risk.

(Five if you count inheritance, and six if you count starting with two million dollars).

Conspicuously missing from this list are effortless 1-2-3 systems that involve buying an expensive book or series of tapes. Also missing are complicated tax shelters or other 'proven' systems. The harder someone tries to sell you this solution, the more certain you should be that it is a scam. If no skill or effort is required, then why doesn't the promoter just hire a bunch of people at minimum wage and keep the profits?

There are literally a million ways to make a good living online, ten million ways to start and thrive with your own business offline. But all of these require effort, and none of them are likely to make you a million dollars.

Short version: If someone offers to sell you the secret system, don't buy it. If you need to invest in a system before you use it, walk away. If you are promised big returns with no risk and little effort, you know the person is lying to you. Every time.

Hey TC

"Top Cat" ran for only30 episodes from September 27, 1961 to April 18, 1962. When I was four years old, Top Cat (a.k.a "TC") was slick.

Sure, I can do that too...

Well peeled

YouTube Contest Challenges Users To Make A 'Good' Video

A smaller Kingdom?

A smaller kingdom is a good idea. Yea... perhaps that's it! There will be fewer servants, but we'll not have generals or even an army.

"Quality Go"

My obligatory political comment (I've refrained so far) is as follows:

It's clear that Barack Obama ran an effective campaign. How different from campaigning is actually being the President? The skills are similar, but not the same. Now that he has the job, can he stop pandering (a necessary task when campaigning - no criticism intended) and start managing? He might act as if he were getting an early start on the 2012 campaign. It would be easy for him to continue to play this part. He surely has the selling skills - now let's see an effective executive. My guess is that he'll drop his poetry and get to business. We'll give him time - at least four years - not to simply stir emotions, but to get to work and do a terrific job. I think he'll have a quality go at it.

Sports / Entertainment product

Commercially, sports are entertainment products. Businesses need attendance, and a loyal fan base willing to spend time and money on the product. A costumed mascot and related interaction with those in attendance, fan contests and other antics - all attempt to add interest (to entertain). The business of providing entertainment - especially for offerings struggling to win attention, can move in some wild directions. I'm not saying it's a bad thing - but it is an emerging aspect of sports with commercial objectives.

We might note that in this example, attendance appears to be weak.

How about painting? Have I said bad things?

Here again, it seems like a straightforward thing - maybe even stress-free, or possibly stress relieving. No! The new rule is: "If it is going to require more than one gallon of paint, or more than three hours - think about getting someone else to to do it". You'll scoff at my discovery and my new rules, but in the end - you'll see that I am correct.