Author, Investor, Speaker, Mentor
Fact #1: As the U.S. government begins to impose more “buy American” provisions on the economy, companies will be pressured to stop outsourcing to China and India. Fact #2: The median home price in Detroit has dropped to $5,000. That is not a misprint. I smell an arbitrage opportunity. Why not buy up Detroit real … Continue reading Business Idea: Offshoring To Detroit
I recently Twittered about the fact that I have a plan for a recession-proof business. I created the plan a couple of years ago, even lined up some killer reference customers, but never had time to put it into effect because of more time-sensitive priorities (Ustream, PBwiki). My “problem” is that between work, family, and … Continue reading Wanted: Co-founders for a recession-proof business concept
A tidbit from a Citigroup report, courtesy of Time, with a hat tip to Matthew Yglesias. Here’s a look at some different time periods and the number of days the S&P 500 has moved up or down more than 5% during the trading day: 1950-2000: 27 days 2000-2006: 7 days Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2008: 20 … Continue reading Think the Stock Market Has Gotten More Volatile? You’re Right!
In bad times, it pays to be versatile. Just ask Bo Jackson. Cross-training is a major asset during times of flux. If you’re looking for a job, you’d better have a wide variety of skills. If you’re hiring, search for cross-trained athletes. During booms, stability tends to prevail, and markets seem predictable. Given those circumstances, … Continue reading In Bad Times, It Pays To Be Versatile
As recession mania spreads, lots of folks have weighed in with their recommendations. Sequoia says to hunker down and start firing people. Dave McClure says that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. All fine and dandy if you’re interested in reinforcing your natural optimism or pessimism. But all of these posts focus … Continue reading Recession Winners And Losers
When I chat with my VC buddies, rather than asking me, “Have you seen any good deals lately,” they ask me, “Can you give some advice to my porfolio company?” Not a good time to raise money if you’re an entrepreneur. But as a very wise saying goes, “This too, shall pass.” Look for a … Continue reading How You Know We’re In A VC Recession