Cracks in the Chicago School of Economics model?

Once again we revisit the apparently flawed Chicago School of Economics model.  I read a review in the NYT about "The Shareholder Value Myth: How Putting Shareholders First Harms Investors, Corporations, and Public" by Lynn A. Stout.

I have always believed that a balance between the shareholders, customers and employees was far better then a focus on just one of them.

Isn't it funny how if you have the Protestant Work Ethic (The necessity for hard work as a component of a person's calling and worldly success is a visible sign or result (not a cause) of personal salvation), it all falls into place.  If you don't work hard, nothing else really matters.

9 Beliefs of Remarkably Successful People

This seems to ring true, have a read.

I saw Malcolm Gladwell in the San Francisco airport yesterday.  He didn't make eye contact, and I can't blame him.  I'm posting this link in his honor.

How to get your invention funded?

I don't know if you have seen KickStarter.com yet, but if you can make a prototype, then crowd funding might be the way to go.  In my Southern Illinois business contest days, we had many inventions submitted, but turning a plan into a prototype was beyond the inventor. 

So, build this, to build prototypes?  I think that might work.

Michael Lewis Commencement Speech To Princeton

I don't know if you have read Michael Lewis (Money ball or Liar's Poker), but I like his stuff.  I think I have read all his books, but one.

Should we take away that if you get a chance, eat the second cookie or how lucky we are?

I'm making a list...

Good article about the two lists you should make everyday.  I only make the first, the second is by default.

NYT Article on Vineyard Ownership

The New York Times has an interesting article about rich people owning a vineyard, and the wine business.  Bottom line, it takes 16 to 20 years to make a profit.  That doesn't mean that it doesn't generate jobs in the meantime, so no complaints from me.  Go, winery builders of Southern Illinois, you are doing good.

An Incubator That Might Work in Southern Illinois

I have been trying to figure out business development in Southern Illinois for many years.  I have already written about how I don't think that traditional Venture Capital and/or Angel Investing is going to work.  After all, there is plenty of money, but nothing to invest in.  There is Dunn-Richmond, if you need white collar office or lab space, general start-up or business advice.  My attention has shifted to manufacturing and away from technology.

While reading the current issue of Business Week, I came across their article about TechShop.  Now, that is an idea that might work.  A work space, with all the equipment, training, help and free coffee and popcorn!

Seems worthy of some deep thought.  What do you think, can it work?  Would you start building something, if these kinds of resources were available?