Nov
21
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Editorial & Guest Columns, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
What we refuse to learn from bailouts, bankruptcies and buffoonery
By VINCE CREW
“There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur
America is the land of opportunity. The opportunity to succeed, be whatever you want to be – or not. In other words, failure is an option. In fact, it is the option of two extremes: those who see themselves as victims and those who see themselves above it all. The streets are filled with the homeless while unscrupulous ex-corporate chieftains are the heartless of our nation.
Writing this on the heels of the Bear Stearns debacle ($29 billion), the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac poster children of government efficiency ($200 billion), the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, and the world-spinning, $85 billion bailout of AIG, it begs the ethical question: When did the rules change on who wins and who loses?
Oct
24
The never-ending ethical mayhem of fiscal recklessness
By VINCE CREW
Question: How many brilliant MBAs, celebrity CEOs and expert legislators does it take to screw up a company or an entire economy?
Answer: We’re still counting.
One of the greatest perks about being a doctor, lawyer, CEO or consultant is that, regardless of the results, you still get paid – a lot. Add to that list government pinheads, think-tank researchers and investment managers.
Frankly I’m getting tired of hearing, “historically an investment in blah blah has outperformed yada yada yada and, while past performance is no indication of future results, blah blah blah.” Translation: Do what I tell you to ’cause I’m smarter than you.
Well guess what? In the words of Howard Beale (portrayed by Peter Finch in the classic 1976 movie “Network”), “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Oct
10
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Economic Development, Editorial & Guest Columns, Uncategorized, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
The economic stimulus that nobody talks about
By VINCE CREW
Pssssssst, Mr. President (and Congress): If a bunch of checks for a few hundred dollars didn’t cure the ills our economy, neither will a trillion-dollar plan – but I know what will: Leadership. Hard work. Ethical conduct.
We’re losing sight of what the combination of direction, hard work and honesty can do for us individually and collectively.
It’s not about strategies-of-the-month, risky profit-making deals, or outright criminal activity. It’s about fundamental, proven progress toward reasonable goals by risk-prudent means.
Sep
26
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Economic Development, Editorial & Guest Columns, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
Ethics matters whether you’re smart or stupid
By VINCE CREW
We’re in the midst of a decade of corruption, fraud, and abuse that brought us to our knees – to pray, to beg, to brace ourselves for the fallout that has recently overcome our financial wellbeing.
It was brought on by some of the “smartest guys in the room” with the tragedy of Enron. Then there’s the subprime mortgage meltdown where more smart brokers, agents and real estate professionals appealed to the stupidest people who thought they could/should have something – even though they had little, poor or no credit worthiness, reasonable down payment or financial ability to repay the loans.
Now add more really smart economists and Ivy league MBA types – and a host of stupid legislators who think you can regulate “stupid” – and finally a growing percentage of whining liberals demanding that every person in America deserves a house and the government needs to bail out any person who tried and failed – and it’s just a mess. Read more
Sep
12
Beyond the bottom line
Filed Under Business Builders, Economic Development, Editorial & Guest Columns, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
Things CEOs SHOULD be doing in this economy
By VINCE CREW
There’s one thing the experts and we mere mortals know about what’s going on in today’s economy: NO ONE knows what’s going on!
I don’t want to be too cynical, but let’s face it: Not only have the rules changed, I don’t even recognize the game anymore.
People who can’t afford things are getting them nonetheless, and we’re bailing them out. Oh, pardon me – Congress is. I know, I know, but I actually heard a fellow say, “We should let Congress bail these people out OR the taxpayers are going to have to.” Scary huh? But I digress.
Whenever the issues of strategic thinking and planning comes about, some are quick to respond, “I just wanna make the next payroll.” While that may bring a smile, if your business has been reduced to a bi-weekly modus operandi, it’s too late. If, however, you’ve had the fiscal discipline and prudence thus far, and want to strive for the long haul, there are questions that can get you on track.
Aug
29
Beyond the Bottom Line
Filed Under Business Builders, Editorial & Guest Columns, Trends, Vince Crew columns | Leave a Comment
‘Whatever it takes’ doesn’t work anymore
“There ain’t no rules around here. We’re trying to accomplish something.” –Thomas Edison
The once-admired philosophy of so many great men chasing goals with unencumbered inhibitions has become the bane of today’s risk-taking CEOs. It has become the stuff ethics scandals are made of.
This once-attractive fire, ready, aim attitude is at the crux of so many fraudulent, criminal and immoral activities.
Today’s challenge is to fiercely compete, aggressively win and increase profits – but do so without jeopardizing compliance boundaries, legal limits, and everyday ethics.
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