Looking at the brighter side

The wet weather certainly brings back memories of the season that we encountered earlier this year in the US. Instead of rain, it snowed unexpectedly. Fortunately we had sufficient warm clothes to keep ourselves comfortable. The carpet of snow was a sight to behold but the subsequent melting of the ice made it a challenge to keep your shoes and trousers clean. But really the weather can be a damper to your mood or not all at. Much would depend on your mental makeup.

Amid the lightening, I pleased to have had a good start to the day, with some good meeting with a client to advise them on their work. I hope also to focus on opportunities that may arise when the market picks up. The best time to prepare for new businesses is during a downturn, because some competitors may fold up, and potential clients would need a boost to get themselves up at the pole position. There has been much discussion by motor firms in US and Europe seeking bailouts from the Government. A poignant question was put to one of the European firms, namely, that in the past five years the firm has been in the red and how would this be justification for a bailout by the government.

Oh, I can't help but let my concentration be interruped by the sirens from an ambulance rushing to or from somewhere. Its also a reminder of the fragility of life though it also underscores the point that even in bad times, the healthcare industry may not be as adversely affected. The worse hit are those offering luxury or non-essential services like beauty care. But what about food? My son thought it was a good industry as people still have to eat always. However the key lies in whether you can cook as otherwise you will be at the mercy of the chef. Or what about being an important of canned foodstuff instead and you won't have to worry about the chef. Well it is then taking a different path...may be I should ask someone say a politician what he or she thinks about it. It is always good to pose question to people who are in unrelated professions to seek their views because they may be able to see things from a totally different perspective. I guess I may do just that.

Preparing for better times

It's been difficult times and how badly it is hurting the population isn't really felt so far. People are still thronging the streets at least to walk and walk if they aren't shop and shop for the Christmas season. Interestingly a senior union official said the real impact would be felt in the first and second quarter of next year when retrenchments can be expected from many more businesses. One news grabbing headline was about a major corporation whose employees were taking pay cuts in order to stave off any retrenchment among the staff. Ironically the chief executive took home more than $6 million in salary and bonuses. The corporation was quick to emphasize that the bulk of his income came from bonuses. With that kind of pay packet what would a 50% cut be to him? Yes, he would take notice of the cut but he could still afford a good turkey and chestnuts to roast on the fireplace during Christmas. True enough the news only marginally fan the stocks by rising a notch or two before it ended on the bourse in the negative. I hope this is a sign of investors and the man-in-the-street being more discerning and not be taken in by statistics and percentages, so that their vision would not be blurred by the wool.

One commentator has rightly pointed out that at a time of recession it is when people should take stock and look at how they can spring back when the economy turns upwards. Instead of just nursing wounds and complaining, we should be scrutinizing the horizon and see if there is a glimmer of light somewhere out there!