Monsieur Gouge and Sy Cophant, his clerk, were deep in conversation. Profits were down and Monsieur Gouge was not pleased with the return on his money. Sy Cophant: But sir, the whole economy is slow. When the others use the consolidation formula pulling increased profit out for their stockholders, we see less earnings. Monsieur Gouge: That’s no excuse Cophant! I want results. We must get results! Sy Cophant: We could look at expenses again. Monsieur Gouge: I knew you’d think of something. Read them. Sy Cophant: Over head, building, heat… Monsieur Gouge: What can we lower? Sy Cophant: The temperature. We’ll save on the heating bill this winter. Monsieur Gouge: Your suggestion? Sy Cophant: Well, research shows people usually slip their jackets off when they come into the store. I suggest we lower the temperature so they don’t have to remove their coats as they shop. That way they’ll stay comfortable while shopping. Monsieur Gouge: Very considerate. How much? How much? Sy Cophant: The estimates show a 10 – 20% savings on the heating bill depending on the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures. Monsieur Gouge: Excellent! Make it 30%! What’s next? Sy Cophant: There are the employees, sir. Monsieur Gouge: They always cost so much. What about them? Sy Cophant: That’s the trouble sir, they’ll stop being customers if they don’t have jobs. Monsieur Gouge: How many times have I told you Cophant! The employees just cost money! They aren’t customers. The customers shop. The employees cost. When will you get that straight! Sy Cophant: Sorry sir. You’re right sir. Monsieur Gouge: Lower the wages. Sy Cophant: Lower the wages? Monsieur Gouge: Yes, lower the wages. Except yours Cophant, you get a big bonus because you do as I ask. Sy Cophant: Thank you sir. Monsieur Gouge: How much? Sy Cophant: Well, we’re already at minimum wage sir. Monsieur Gouge: Damn government. This is the government’s fault. So, what do we do? Sy Cophant: We can lay-off staff. Monsieur Gouge: Yes, lay them off. Sy Cophant: Who exactly? Monsieur Gouge: How much is payroll? Sy Cophant leans over toward Monsieur Gouge holding the papers at an angle, points to a number on the balance sheet. Monsieur Gouge: What? That much? Sy Cophant: Employee wages are down 30% from 10 years ago. Monsieur Gouge: All of them. Sy Cophant: All of them? Monsieur Gouge: Yes. I want that money. Stop paying everyone. Except you, Cophant, you can have another bonus. You are so useful. Sy Cophant: Thank you, sir. I appreciate that, sir. But sir, the customers? Monsieur Gouge: Sometimes, I don’t know about you Cophant. You seem so smart and then you ask the dumbest questions. Haven’t you heard about self-serve? Sy Cophant: It will be done. Monsieur Gouge: So, how do we increase sales? Get more customers? Do you think I should Twitter? http://whenkateblogs.blogspot.com/