Molson Hart

I don’t know your industry. Are these good or bad numbers?

I don't know my industry either haha. Probably bad? I'm not totally sure. I didn't check it for '17 vs '18 where profits improved. The fact that total profits fell implies it is bad I would think.

One trick I’ve used is to look at public company filings. For example, I was trying to figure out the right amount to spend on advertising for a business. Looked at what the others were spending and then said “Eff it” and 2x’ed their number! It worked but YMMV.

The other thing is asking suppliers. Turned out they are the biggest chatty cathys. they started giving me all kinds of advice or guidance. Some of it was BS but mostly helpful.

I’d ask questions like: “So and so competitor seems smart. How do they solve this problem I’m having?” They’d tell me. YMMV!

My suppliers are either based in Asia or big sclerotic corporations, but I should try asking the Asian ones. Would love the different perspective as well. We're in a tough, sort of declining industry, whose only bright spot has been ecommerce.

The Asians are the chattiest in my experience, too. Let me know how it goes!

haha, not mine. it's like squeezing water from a stone.