All puff, no substance. That’s enough about me.

Robert Gerrish Back in April I wrote a piece on common website mistakes and took a swipe at ugly sites designed purely to hook people in. I copped some flack and was accused by some of being precious and superficial.

I recognise that I am at times both of these things and feel a degree of the criticism was fully justified. You can view the comments here, including the one that unwittingly nailed my appearance (if not my choice of coffee) to a tee. I thought it was hilarious.

Anyway, I’m not averse to stirring up opinions, so here I go again.

There is little doubt in my mind that following the GFC, the business landscape will have changed irreversibly. I hope so anyway.

I believe businesses that are not prepared to be fully transparent will suffer the consequences.

Shysters, rogues and fools will be paraded and mocked and those involved in activities that add nothing to or even damage society, will be openly criticised. This is happening already, thanks to social networking.

Thankfully as the business owner, each of us is the decision maker and the master of our own destiny.

As we hurtle towards the start of another year, let’s vow to make our own choices carefully whilst doing our bit to support those who deserve it. We should avoid the meaningless lure of the newest and shiniest.

I don’t know about you, but if I see a slick offering yet cannot see clearly who is behind it, I figure someone or something is being concealed.

Come out, come out whoever you are, or I fear you’ll disappear.

Thoughts, comments, minor abuse? Let me have it.

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Until next week.

Love your work,

Robert Gerrish is Flying Solo’s managing director and founder and works as a business coach, professional speaker, business commentator and consultant. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business.

03 Nov 09

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Hi Robert,
Unfortunately, I fear that even with social media there will be plenty or shysters, rouges and fools escaping with the crown jewels. We have a pretty reluctant regulatory system and the wheels of justice take far to long to turn.
I would like to think that social media may make directors, boards and business owners stop and think but I'm not so sure. We have the whole of the risk and compliance community, together with the likes of ASIC, ICAC and Fair Trading and still very little in the way of core behavioral change is evident.
Don't lose hope though. Simon Franklin from Sydney, Australia
All the GFC has done is allow the Accountants who rule the Boardrooms to bury their Financial results by writing off billions in the name of the GFC! Otherwise, its business as usual - even that well-known Public Servant, the Premier of NSW has just given himself a pay rise to almost $7,000 a week (PLUS chauffered limo, luxury surroundings and luxury travel and mind-blowing retirement benefits etc etc etc). Meanwhile, us twits can tweet to our hearts' content............... Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Quote: "I believe businesses that are not prepared to be fully transparent will suffer the consequences. "
Not necessarily, I think these sites appear and disappear just as quickly because of the nature of their offerings. Through experience, they rear their ugly head, siphon the unsuspecting of their cash, disappear and reappear cloaked as another site.
It's the classic case, of wolves in several sheeps clothing. David Dixon from Sydney, Australia
Well I think that article shows that you are actually all substance and no puff Robert. I agree with you 100%. As consumers we also need to ask tougher questions of the businesses we buy from. Let's hope this is the dawning of the Age of Honesty and Integrity. Andrew Griffiths from Cairns
I like your style and comments in general Robert - Could this be 'edutainment'?
keep it coming :))) Shannon Rooney from Sydney
Minor abuse?? OK, here goes .... Nah, just kidding :)
Robert, all people are smart and know a bad deal or farcical attempt at shadiness when they see it yet human nature still causes some to take a peek just in case. So some will continue to be stung.
Re the GFC... business is booming all around IF one is prepared to open their eyes just a little bit. The problem is that so many have buried their heads into trying to figure it out and are stuck there. There's nothing to figure out. Keep marketing hard and you will win, so long as you're true and 'transparent'. :) Tony Scarcia from Brisbane Australia

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