Monday, September 29, 2008

Step Out of the Negative Current

These days it can be a challenge avoiding the negative current of fear and confusion generated by the situation in the financial markets. Even if you're not watching the news, you're around people who do, and their fear can be contagious.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you hear people getting distraught about the banking industry.

1. Always remember that bad news sells.

2. Mass media exist to sell audience exposure to advertisers, even the news functions this way.

3. All news is made as sensational as possible.

4. Fear sells.

5. Fear does not help you unless you use it to sharpen your focus.

6. All markets go through periodic corrections. Like storms in nature, they serve an positive purpose.

There is always something going on in the markets. For centuries most people's welfare was at the mercy of factors so far out of their control: the weather, insects, crop sicknesses.

Crisis = Opportunity

This black cloud, like all the rest of them, has a silver lining. The trick is you have to look for it. Don't get caught up in this negative current - find your opportunity.