The news around the globe is not good. The virus is still spreading, the global markets are on a rollercoaster based on the latest news about government bailouts and parents and children are hunkered down riding out a storm to which a clear end is not in sight. Things are not good, but remember that this too shall pass and life as we knew it and know it will eventually get back to normal. It is clear, however, that this will take more than a few weeks. That being said the only thing all of us can do is maintain a positive attitude, make the best of your time with family and remember the golden rule – treat others as you want to be treated yourself. Chin up – world, we are all in this together and we will get through it and as the great Winston Churchill said – KBO!
Due Diligence, however, must go on, it can’t stop just because you can’t visit managers. Now is the best time for you to up your due diligence game – there are ways to use technology to do this – the most obvious is video conferencing. It is a great way to stay connected and is available on practically every device. It is also important to review documents, confirm NAVs are being struck, audits remain on time and that managers are able to deal with being displaced and the potential for sick employees. Check-in early and often with your managers – remember it is your money and you have the right to know what is being done with it.
I am pleased to tell you that the IMDDA’s online educational technology is working great and the demand for our free webinars is through the roof. The IMDDA has a great webinar lined up for Tuesday, March 24th at 1 pm EST titled “Protect Yourself: Practical Lessons in Crisis Management for Fund Investors”. To register for this free program, click here.
Also, our complete catalog of courses and webinars are online and able to viewed on any device with an internet connection. Check the full listing by clicking here. We are offering special rates for courses and membership during this time if you are interested in joining the only global organization singularly focused on due diligence education get in touch with me.
Until then, stay safe.
THINGS THAT DRIVE ME CRAZY
The simplest thing to write about here this week would be about being cooped at home. So far, however, it has not been all that bad. The family all seems to be getting along well and I have high hopes that that will continue. That being said, I do have to comment about Mr. Brady leaving the Patriots – I really don’t understand it. He clearly forgot about the most important thing in business – loyalty. He clearly doesn’t need the money, so there has to be something else – perhaps Coach Belichick showed him the door – I hope that is the case but don’t think so, he moved on because of the money and that is just not right in my book. Thanks for the memories Tom, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Next.
One more for the road… How funny was Bernie Sanders’s comments to CNN yesterday when asked if he was suspending his campaign. The response was gorgeous – Sanders, like Mr. Biden, so often does, lost his cool and was reduced to using an expletive to answer the reporter’s question and topped it off with a comment about making sure we don’t have an economic meltdown and people die. Really does anyone think that he is having any impact at all on finding the solution to this crisis? Let’s put it this way if Bernie’s hands were on the wheel would be in much worse shape. Time to bow out Bernie.