Cash Goggles and ROI Rage
Gordon Gekko said “Greed is good” in the movie Wall Street, and too many of us still believe it. Whether it is an overt thirsting for cash, or an underlying subconscious belief that somehow money is equal to success, the endless pursuit for material wealth has a detrimental effect on us, our society, and our world.
“When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” [1]
When the world is viewed through Cash Goggles, everything relates to money. Now, don’t get me wrong. I think that the concept of money is a fantastic idea – otherwise we’d still be using the barter system, trying to figure out how many bushels of wheat an iPod is worth. However, the obsession we’ve developed by having a single focus on Return On Investment (ROI) has put virtual shackles on our minds and creativity. There are many, many more worthy goals and measures of success than the almighty dollar. In short: We need more tools in our tool box.
“After all, they are in business to make money…”
I can’t tell you how many time’s I’ve seen this worn-out “gem” pop up in conversations online. Frankly, it’s just an excuse for why companies and individuals do greedy things. If you have ever uttered this phrase, then your Cash Goggles are firmly bolted onto your head. Success in business should not rely solely on ROI. Yes, money is a concern. But by making it a primary reason for your business to exist, you are fostering a mindset that will allow bad choices and greed to take over. What happened to focusing on the craft of a business? Where has true quality gone? Money should be a side-effect of having a quality-driven mindset in business.
The old quote of “Build a Better Mousetrap and They’ll Beat a Path to Your Door” has sadly become “Build a Mediocre Mousetrap, Brand It, Market the Hell out of It, and Wait for the Cash to Roll In!”
We buy cheap fast food, and are astounded when it is quite literally killing us.
We demand cheap products, but want high-paying jobs… then are shocked at how many jobs are taken by foreigners or sent overseas. We have become an iWant society. Buying for the sake of buying … or to be hip, cool, or cutting edge. “Do I need it?” isn’t asked. “I want it!” is stated instead. It’s a selfish, short-sighted, wasteful mentality, and it is far more dangerous to our continued existence than a host of other media-hyped causes… because it undermines our vision and morals as a society.
… are you suffering from “ROI Rage”?
We frequent services and businesses because they give us a good ROI, but rarely look to see if it’s a company worthy of our support.
This is where capitalism breaks down.
It’s up to us, each and every one, to be more selective of the companies we support, and the products and services we buy.
Obscenely wealthy Wall St brokers, corrupt lobby-bribed politicians, and CEOs with bloated salaries and super-sized severance packages – they thrive because of our actions and our inaction. We create them through our purchases, our voting, and by allowing ourselves to be led like lambs to the slaughter.
Take the time. Make the effort. Look at the world and see it with your own eyes. Do you know why you believe something? Or is it just because it’s what you were told, or how you were raised? Think with your own mind. Decide what is the right thing to do. Then take action to make it a reality.
all content written by Joe J Thomas – online at: JoeActor.com
Footnotes:
1. Paraphrased from a quote by Abraham Maslow
Joe, thank you for sharing a message that is not widely spread. I applaud your courage to share this truth with a world that desperately needs to hear it. A great reminder for those of us who are in business as well not simply consumers. Having both a voice-over business and a health radio business, several things stood out to me and I will share on my FB pages. Again, thank you!
Thanks, Faith… so good to hear that it resonates with you.
It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that our actions as individuals really matter.
Business can be more of a human venture (and adventure!)
Serious stuff this time. I agree with you, but I have a feeling you’re preaching to the choir.
… ain’t that the truth! Glad there’s at least a choir to listen.
I think the scariest thing about what you discuss is that people start equate “intelligence” with “how much money a person makes”.
You would think people today would know better, given the very root of every website is “rebellion against evil corporations that put profit ahead of people”. Things have come full circle, and now websites are becoming the very thing they rebelled against.
Agreed, Steven… Historical context puts things in a very different perspective.
I wish more people were aware, or took the time to research and learn.
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I promis not to look back when the cash flows at fire hose intensity. I’d truly feel bad seeing those not interested in getting wet. 😉
Seriously… VO craft is hard work and folks considering it because the money is easy should not leave their day job in pursuit of low handing cash.
Since it is a business, ROI is a part, a small part, of what drives me to do what I enjoy and love. Passion fuels creativity and passion comes from a person’s soul, not a fist full of cash.
I like your style, Joe.
Thanks much…
You’re right – all things in balance, with the important stuff on the top of the list.
“After all, they are in business to make money…”
“I can’t tell you how many time’s I’ve seen this worn-out “gem” pop up in conversations online.”
Individuals and Small Companies provide services and high quality products that has the outcome be profit.
Corporations are different. Corporations *are* there to make money and nothing more, the profit is not a byproduct anymore, it is the driving force. An Example: UPMC Children’s in Pittsburgh laid off a large number of people seven months ago and merged their duties into pre-existing positions and created some limited positions with others. The pre-existing positions have more duties at the same rate of pay they previously had.
Agreed, Colin.
I’ve seen it first-hand in big companies.
It’s really tragic that now, even individuals and small companies are starting to think this way.
That’s where the “dollar-a-holler” VO sweat shops are thriving.