If nothing else, the recent upheavals on Wall Street have taught us that every act, even those done in secret and by really important people who are used to "getting away with murder" has consequences. And that eventually, the chickens will come home to roost.
I am certain that at least once since the story blew up around December 11, or so, that Bernie Madoff and his wife and sons have wished that they had not participated in that ponzi scheme. Now, they will lose everything. Including their freedom.
As a small business person, you may not have to worry about the consequences of ponzi schemes. But there are bound to be other ways in which you cut corners, cheat a little bit, try to get over from time to time. It is human nature to try to find the easiest and quickest way to get to a destination - especially when one is looking for money and profit.
But, when temptation knocks, just think of Mr. Madoff, and take the scenic route instead. You're a lot more likely to end up in a place where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, rather than having breakfast meetings with law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation - or the like - as they hint at a lifetime behind bars in some federal prison somewhere.
As tough as it might be to get your show profitable, try to always "do the right thing."
3 years ago
