With economies in complete disarray on a global basis, one of the few bright spots has been the massive correction in oil. It was widely speculated that oil was in a bubble and that speculation turned into a stark reality with oil dropping below 50% off its July 11th high of $147.27. The downward pressure came from the demand side of the equation as receding global economies are using less oil and the short-term forecast continues to point to...more
Everyone needs to consider their investments in corporations that have been using job cuts as an alternative to growth, and in essence keeping their bottom line in shape. With the economy in a recession, it's that time again for large corporations to start slashing jobs and trimming the fat, all in the name of profitability. However, I think we may start finding out that there is not a lot of fat to cut, and through this exercise we could be...more
With the absolute implosion of global financial markets, the investment world is learning that alternative investments need to be private. I don't think there has ever been a better illustration of a "pull down" effect within the last 70 years. It almost seems ridiculous to keep using the word "historic" as each day seems to be, or break a piece of financial history. Looking at the first half of 2008, we all sat back and said, " Wow, that was pretty bad." I am guessing that many investors wish they could have capped their losses at the levels seen in the first half of the year. However, many didn't and more couldn't because the new question on everyone's mind has been where is the safe haven? This has been a serious question that hasn't been answered, and I believe that it's mostly due to looking in the wrong places. When you don't trust the markets or the financial system that is supporting it, then why would you look for safety there? It's like being scared of flying because the last 100 flights have crashed, and the only thing you have to prevent your own flight from crashing is hope. Instead, you should be thinking of an alternative method of travel, just like investors should...more
Author: John DashfieldWhen you think about it, every single product and service begins its life as somebody's problem. We all have things in life that we'd rather pay somebody else to do, either because we simply don't want to do it or don't have the expertise. The reason we buy products is because they save us time, money, effort or enhance our...more
This investment perspective comes straight from the rooms in banks that are filled with the proverbial bean counters known as underwriters that are making the lives of hard money lenders very easy and very profitable. It's clear that the banks are running out of money, good decisions and good excuses for denying loans to businesses, property...more
Howard Brodsky set out to conquer the carpet world. Dan Bleier just wanted to save his family-owned business. But both cherished their independent status in a retail chain, "big box" business world. Now, each realizes success through a purchasing cooperative.The pair spent almost eight months reviewing different business models, disqualifying one after another. Then they looked at cooperatives. Brodsky and Bleier are founders of two of the estimated 300 purchasing cooperatives in the United Statesa sector which serves roughly 50,000 independent business owner-members. "The co-op was the ultimate choice to bring (buying) scale to local ownership while honoring their differences and valuing their independence. It also allowed us to leverage our efforts to serve their best interests," says Brodsky, chairman and co-CEO of CCA Global Partners. "By comparison, other business structures didn't endure."Entrepreneurs across the American business landscapefrom furniture dealers to funeral service providersare using co-op power to level the playing field between family-owned enterprises and mega-retailers.Purchasing co-op owner-members are joining together to increase the...more
Most IT jobs consist of doing work in a constantly reoccurring cycle: define, design, create, test, deploy, repeat. When we get our first IT job or when we jump onto a new program, this can all seem so very new and exciting. However, once we reach...more
Corporate frauds undermine organizational effectiveness. Understanding the root causes of corporate frauds and dealing with them is critical to advancing organizational effectiveness and corporate integrity. Understanding corporate frauds is more...more
Magical but Simple Do-It-At-Home VirtuesMost of the "blockages" to success are originated in cosmic imbalance that slows down the process of attracting abundance or financial prosperity. Learn how to induce your own "Good Luck" combining two magical...more
Trading As A BusinessTrading in the financial markets, whether it be the Stock Market; the Commodities Market; the Futures Market; the Forex Market; or even the Options Market; is taking big risks on your hard-earned money.You have to treat trading...more
Are some customers better than others? Of course they are. So how do you attract the customers you want and deflect or discourage those who would do better elsewhere? First, know your customers. Which ones are making your business successful? Which...more
Credit cards are considered to overpass gap between requirements and contentment, disquiet for purchasing and smile for escalating capability of procure even with inadequate cash in hand. Since these synthetic cards came to market, they have allured...more