I been watching the Lucille's thread hoping that someone from the MCDA
would come forward to tell Listmembers how much public money has
already been poured into Lucille's and the building in which it is
located. Call me a dreamer!
Nevermind, it would only depress people.
On to the lessons........
Let's see, Lucille's has great food, and everyone who's anyone hangs
out there -- it's become a mini-Town Hall. No one asks the obvious
question: Why are they losing money?
Could it be that insider salaries are really high?
Could it be that customers don't pay for their meals?
Could there be too many company cars on the books?
Could someone's fingers be in the till?
Instead of finding the source of the problem, the Minneapolis response
is: Need money? No problem. Here's more.
Continuing on with Minneapolis logic.......
"Gosh, we're broke."
"Let's borrow money to build an addition - that'll help."
"Some new carpet, new furniture - gotta look good."
"Oh, oh. We did all of these things - but we're more broke."
"Let's raise our prices - that's the answer."
"Oh no, fewer customers. Too expensive now."
"Looks like we'll have to call it quits. Can't pay our bills."
"UNLESS..........,
the taxpayers rescue us again. Please, please, please."
Get the picture? Throwing good money after bad never solves a
problem -- it just drags it out and makes it worse in the long run.
Poorly managed businesses are supposed to fail, thus creating
opportunities for others who can run a tight ship.
The Lesson condensed: Before falling for a sob story, find out what
created the problem in the first place. Then, do whatever you want
to, but at least be informed.
Vicky Heller
North Oaks
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