Daily Intent

Santa Barbara, CA
Are you an optimist?

In my travels I have found Americans, most in particular, the West Coast Americans to be the most optimistic species on the planet.  As a culture, we believe anything is possible.  We believe life should be easy and enjoyable.  We believe American politics can be run by a perfect leader that is charismatic, intelligent, ethical and a bit omniscient.  And rightfully so.

We are amidst the entrepreneurial capital of the globe in the Silicon Valley where 70 percent of all venture capital money is directed in the United States.  We are home to Microsoft and Amazon, Apple and Google, Boeing and Intel, and the forever optimists in Hollywood.  Our movies end consistently happy, positive, or at least with an inspiring lesson.

The rest of the world, yeah, those other guys, claim to be more practical.  They may be the forever optimist when it comes to their favorite “football” team.  However, they don’t often chase whimsical dreams.  They expect their political leaders to have flaws.  They distrust people until they really get to know them.  They like things the way they are.  And they expect movies to end in “reality”– death, divorce, and despair.

There are many positives to each culture and perspective.

I encourage you West Coasters to, thus, consider a perspective noted by Harold Wilson.  “I am an optimist.  But I’m an optimist who takes his raincoat.”

It seems apparent Mr. Wilson would argue for one to believe all is going to work out for the best, in the economy, with your portfolio, with your health, but to prepare oneself as if a few things could go wrong.

Maybe for you it is starting a savings plan though your job outlook appears to be only positive.  Maybe it’s being inspired by the “Movember” Mustaches and getting a full physical even though you have been healthy for years.  Or maybe it is hedging your bets on gold, should inflation not play out as dramatically as many investors believe.

We live in the Wild West and love the energy of it all, but let us not forget for things to continue perfectly, we must do our due diligence.  We must check on the details.

Thanksgiving awaits.  Tomorrow many gather.  May we be optimistic going into shared time with our family, but mindful that Uncle Larry could get a little out of hand.
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LEARN
Buzzword: Intrapreneur
“An inside entrepreneur, or an entrepreneur within a large firm, who uses entrepreneurial skills without incurring the risks associated with those activities. Intrapreneurs are usually employees within a company who are assigned a special idea or project, and are instructed to develop the project like an entrepreneur would. Intrapreneurs usually have the resources and capabilities of the firm at their disposal. The intrapreneur’s main job is to turn that special idea or project into a profitable venture for the company.

Coined in the 1980s by management consultant Gifford Pinchot, intrapreneurs are used by companies that are in great need of new, innovative ideas. Today, instead of waiting until the company is in a bind, most companies try to create an environment where employees are free to explore ideas. If the idea looks profitable, the person behind it is given an opportunity to become an intrapreneur. ‘”  -Investopedia.com

  Six Points to Ponder:

   1. Flat Stanley.  The Markets are flat going into the highest traveled week of the year.   - The Dow is trading  at 10,459, S&P 500 at 1108 and the Nasdaq stands at 2174.  Oil is level at $77/bbl.
   2. Consumers Increase Spending.  Up 0.7 percent over September, and up for the third month of the last four, Americans are beginning to tip-toe forward with meek trust in their financial futures.
   3. Southern Sales.  New homes sales in the South took a big jump up in October, 23 percent, month over month.  The rest of the country witnessed between 5 and 20 percent declines.
   4. Nook Nook.  Who’s there?  Barnes and Noble’s book reader was to go on sale next week.  The problem, they are already back logged. Today’s preorders will not be delivered until January 4th.
   5. Psychological Violence. “Si vous parlez” psychological violence, the French are soon to ban your actions and throw a restraining order bracelet on you.
   6. The Real Salt Lake City Stands Up.  Over 40,000 fans filled Qwest Field in the  Seattle, WA, 8th seeded Real Salt Lake took down the star comprised LA Galaxy in a MLS Championship thriller.

Positives:

    * Personal income has been slowly rising over the last few months.  Heightened dollars in one’s pocket coupled with slight gains in confidence has led to consumers choosing to make that extra purchase.  Maybe they had been holding off on buying new jeans, a winter jacket, etc… The recovery looks to be low in trust, but the cumulative steps of late appear to be forward passing.
    * Book readers are becoming quite popular.  Travel friendly, cheaper titles, and a quality experience.  Owners are huge advocates.  The Kindle just released updates making it more dynamic and user friendly.  The Nook is popularizing itself onto the same main stage with an attractive screen, color, downloadable titles, and abilities to lend books to friends.  Having to wait until January is the only downside.
    * No longer is just physical violence going to warrant a restraining order in France.  In the very near future, following Spanish law, the French will be protected from psychological violence.   The intentions seem quite good.  My concern would be whether this will ultimately protect those to which they’re setting out to protect.  There seems to be a high chance of legal system abuse.
    * Whether it is their nostalgia for the Seattle Supersonics leaving or a true insatiable appetite for soccer, Seattlites are proving to be quite supportive of soccer.  And they got what they paid for in the MLS Championship game.  Overtime, then a shoot-out.  Beckham showing nerves of steel; Donovan crumbling; and the Salt Lake keeper smartly guessing.

Negatives:

    * Despite headlines proclaiming 6% nationwide new home sales, builders are still struggling to find a buyer’s market in the West, Northeast and Midwest.  The Midwest experienced the worst of it all with 20% declines in sales.  Existing home sales still appear to be the focus for buyers in these regions as they seek out “deals” in the form of REOs and Short Sales.

GET INVOLVED
Local:

5K Turkey Trot
Where: There is guaranteed to be one in your hometown
When: Thanksgiving Morning
Cost: Varies
Why:   Food is always more fulfilling after a great workout.
For other fun ideas, go to www.lovemikana.com

Live and Be Well,

Jeff Bochsler