Fourth-quarter profitability was at historic lows, and the bigger they are, the harder they are falling. So answer me this: Why are so many companies playing “Follow the Leader” when so many “leaders” are going right off the cliff?
It’s like Mom always said: “If Angelo Mozilo jumped off a cliff, would YOU jump off a cliff?” (Before you answer, remember which of you has the golden parachute.)
It’s like any habit. After years of sleeping under a Bernie Madoff poster, it can be hard to break out of the habit of following the big boys. But you know you’ve got to do it. So I suggest you switch from “Follow the Leader” to “Follow the Succeeder.”
There ARE some succeeders out there, you know. Even in the midst of all this mess, many companies made more profit in the fourth quarter than they had in any year in the past. Others have had outstanding growth while increasing the profit on that growth. And no, I’m not talking about foreclosure sign painters.
So what’s the difference between going off that cliff and taking wing? It’s all in the belief systems. (more…)