Here is an amazing business principle.

Actually, there are 3 amazing business principles to pass to you from the far reaches of the great intellect and superb intelligence. These principles, although not new to me, seem to be at risk from some incredibly intelligent business people.....your President, Congress, and other people in all forms of government. You realize, of course, that the government is knocking on your door and they are here to help, like it or not.

These principles need to be in place now. If unemployment is to be reversed and the economy is to get going, these principles must be in place. I am not sure they can be though given the far reaching efforts and long arm of the law. Here we go:
1. You are in business to make a profit. Gouge people? No. Make as much profit as you can no matter what you have to do? No. Be profitable though. You cannot expand or hire more people, if you need to, with profitability. Notice I said profit. Not borrowing. I am somewhat glad that money is tight right now for there are those who believe that a business can borrow to success. Certainly some loans are necessary to fill in when receivables are slow and equipment is needed now, but you cannot borrow your way to profitability by itself. You must be making a profit that is income AFTER all expenses. Not accounting tricks, but real, honest-to-God profit.
2. If you are in a business that sells things then you must buy low and sell high. Certainly that is true with cars and trucks (especially used) but it is true with almost everything. Do you think McDonald's makes money on their dollar ($1) menu, you bet. So they must buy ingredients low and sell for that dollar. Do you think Wal-Mart by selling at low prices is doing so because they are a benevolent corporation. They may be, but their objective is profit. They buy as low as they can and sell at a price they know will sell and make them some money. In both these instances the amazing thing is that they are profitable because they make their money on the buy. They buy things right so they can sell them right. You know what else, they are not greedy. They make reasonable money, pay their people reasonably, provide decent benefits and work environment and are successful.
3. Don't be greedy. Make money, make a lot of money, but do not be greedy. Wall Street is learning a valuable lesson. They were greedy and people made unconscionable amounts of money, waived it in every one's face and guess what? The government is going to now regulate them to death. If they had been reasonable, given back to the community and distributed profits to everyone, and I mean everyone in the company at the same rate, they would all still be rich. Should you be rich? Sure. But not at the expense of your wife and kids, God and giving back. Remember, making money is the name of the game. If not, go to work for someone else. But do not be greedy. Be humble and honest and take care of the people who got you there. Usually, your employees.

Now how is that for 3 principles you can live with? What do you think?