WHY THE HARD SELL, HANK?
It is important in your dealings with the financial markets (especially if you are a more active participant) to approach the markets from different perspectives than most people would. You can't just simply look at the financial world as an all powerful, omnipotent entity that knows the collective thinking of all participants, at all times. There are many who look at the markets this way, to their own detriment.
In my experience, it has been important to put a human face on the markets. Not just any human, however. You must approach your dealings with the market like you would a used car salesman, in a lot that you stumbled upon while dumping an old mattress in an area where it would only add to the general ambiance. We'll call him Hank, for the purposes of this article.
Hank is an interesting fellow. He is a master of getting people to go the wrong way, against the warnings of that little voice inside that tells you Hank is all wrong. Hank knows exactly when to pull out his blue handkerchief and perform his favorite magic trick for the kids, in order to allow you to trust him that much further. He knows exactly what to say, when to say it and what action to take in order to make sure it all comes together for a sale.
Hank was trying hard to sell the bullish story. He was wearing his best suit today, had his $40 dress shoes dripping with polish and made sure to use an extra helping of Longs Drugs imported Italian cologne.
It looked a little too good and too proper for my taste. Whenever the market is trying so hard to sell me on something and I see so many willing to bite, I always think of Hank leaning against a wall with a half-smoked cigarette but next to his shoe and a cheesy smile. I have to question the motives and wonder whether the car I will be driving off the lot will make it up the driveway of my home. Caveat Emptor.
