Why do people stare down the subway tunnel to see if a train is coming? It doesn't make the train go any faster. There is some element of comfort in being able to expend the effort but it makes no rational sense.
A similar dynamic comes into play when executives and employees of public companies have a browser set to Yahoo! Finance or their favorite discount broker's web site. They keep pushing the reload button - their attention fixed to the squiggles of the company's stock chart. Completely irrational - it doesn't make the stock rise any faster.
Keep your eyes off the stock charts, focus on what matters. Deliver a remarkable product with incredible service. Take in more money than you spend. Tell a story that resonates and nurture the brand. Treat everyone with respect. Sell like a virtuoso and give the world an astonishing gift. Execute with impatience but wait for rewards with a patient, long arc.
Your train, your stock price, and you yourself will arrive in due time.
@Ankur - thanks! That's one of the nicest things someone has said on this blog.
Posted by: Allan | 06/04/2009 at 11:12 PM
Congratulations to you all for being part of Seth's exclusive group.
I have followed his blog and books since I don't remember how long. Most of the times his blog posts would become the matter of conversation between my colleagues while on the bus ride back to home.
btw... this is a nice post having all elements of Seth's writing :)
Posted by: Ankur Jain | 06/04/2009 at 11:15 AM
Very true. Focus on adding value.
Posted by: Joseph Joel Sherman | 06/03/2009 at 11:04 PM