HOW TO MAKE A DECISION
Okay, there are other ways to make decisions too, but I like the decision matrix. I learned this technique 35 years ago and have used it frequently over the year for many decisions. I like it because it gives me a quantitative bases to clarify my thinking. I have here an example of how i [...]
HOME OWNERSHIP FOR EVERYONE?? IS THAT REALLY A GOOD THING?
Well that sure sounds good doesn’t it? It just makes sense that we should all own a home! I for one disagree! I think there is so much more to home ownership than just getting the mortgage and moving in. even though one may qualify for the loan there are other things to consider that [...]
SOCIAL SECURITY, JUST ANOTHER ENTITLEMENT?
Most people my vintage believe that social security is not an entitlement, but a return on money we have invested over our working life. I know I want to believe that! However thinking about it I believe Congress believes it is an entitlement, just like welfare, unemployment compensation, and a host of others. As such, [...]
DO WE WANT OUR GOVERNMENT IN THE VENTURE CAPITAL BUSINESS? CAN WE AFFORD IT?
ARE VENTURE CAPITALISTS GREEDY? That is what they say, some even call them vulture capitalists! Well, I’m sure some are and some aren’t like in any business. But in he case of VC’s is there good reason to be “greedy”? I was in the venture capital business for four years and learned a lot about [...]
Banks, government and small businesses
I’ve been thinking about the similarities of banks and government, especially on how they work with small businesses. I have spent 30 years working with them and see quite a few similarities. One of lenders prime functions is to provide the funds to keep businesses going and to succeed. They set loan covenants that are [...]
Your first impression with your banker needs to be your best one!
We all know the value of first impressions. If they are good we create a relationship; if bad we have repair work to do. As a former lender I succumbed to making quick judgements many times, especially if my prospect was poorly prepared with their financing request or didn’t have any idea of what I [...]
