Listening to Signals

In an ideal world the market would scream signals at us unambiguously. If we were brave, we would all focus on being able to clearly and transparently articulate our problems. A good business idea is where there is agreement on a product at a price that is attractive to both the buyer and the seller. The cost is less than the price, so the seller is happy. The value is more than the price, so the buyer is happy. The signal to, and from, the market is profit. Super profits will mean more supply of that product (with limited barriers to entry). Insufficient profit will mean less supply (with limited barriers to exit). The problem is, we define ourselves by a product (job or business), aren’t willing to openly express our problems (privacy), or listen to the market signals (enter or exit). Supply adjustment takes time and investment. We want an answer for life. By implication, that stops us listening. If there was a clear path to skills and knowledge development, with a reasonably certain pay off, perhaps people would be brave enough to adapt, adjust, and accommodate.

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