Rose Matlock Consulting

Archive for November, 2009

Tucson, AZ – Brent White, a law professor at the University of Arizona Law School has released a white paper, “Underwater and Not Walking Away: Shame, Fear and the Social Management of the Housing Crisis”, looking at why homeowners are not walking away from their mortgages in larger numbers.

  “individual homeowners tend to ignore market and legal norms under which strategic default might not only be a viable option but also the wisest financial decision” -White, p. 2

Check out Professor White’s paper here : http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1494467##

Check out a recent WSJ Blog: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/11/18/for-the-young-giving-the-house-back-to-the-bank-is-no-biggie/

See Professor White in action:

US Shoppers Spent Less Over Black Friday: NRF – Retail * US * News * Story – CNBC.com.

Well…guess we are still ina recession.  As you look to 2010, stay focused on cost control, effective use of current assets (hard and soft, i.e. – people) and maintaining liquidity.  As the next year unfolds, recognize the difference between Wall Street and Main Street (a gap that is bigger than ever) and plan accordingly.

Business planning can be one of the most rewarding experiences…but sometimes for all the wrong reasons.  As we look towards 2010, we calm ourselves with the certainty that things will follow the “plan”, that sales will be on “plan”, that the prescribed behaviors of the “plan” will work but as often as not, the “plan” ends up being little more than an exercise in futility because well…that’s not how things unfold.  However, that doesn’t mean planning cannot be useful.

As the attached link to a recent Mckinsey article shows, instead of a simple, one dimensional static plan, consider using scenarios to think through a variety of outcomes.  Use these exercise to strengthen core systems, seek new competencies where needed and press your advantage when apparent.

This year, make your business planning count!

Mckinsey Quarterly

We are happy to announce that our first professional speaking demo has been taped, edited and launched!