Do the Right Thing — It’s Real “Freeconomics”
Posted on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Some people in my profession live by the maxim, “Never lie to the press, but don’t tell the whole truth, either.” I find it easier to follow the path set by Mark Twain, who said, “I used to lie but had to get out of that business — there were too damned many amateurs giving it a bad name.”
Some years ago a large telecom operator I worked for announced a $1B investment in a media company. After the press conference fanfare died down, I got one last call around 5pm, from Newsweek:
“Is it true that Michael _______ brokered this deal?”
That would have been a problem. The man in question was a megabuck convicted felon forbidden, by the terms of his parole, from involvement in any financial deal-making. Gulping hard, I told the reporter I’d check, and right away called up to our CEO. “Ha ha ha — of course not — no truth to that whatsoever,” he assured me. I relayed that to Newsweek.
Fast forward four months. I’m in the CFO’s office fact-checking a press release when, out of the blue, he confides that the meeting that led to our earlier $1B investment had in fact taken place on the convicted financier’s private jet. Though he may not have formally “brokered” the deal or received any compensation therefrom, he certainly made it happen.
I called Newsweek. Shortly afterward I left that company and started my own agency. No regrets. Never looked back.
Does this make me some sort of moral paragon? Far from it. Short of murder — and that only by a hair on one or two occasions — there are few Commandments I haven’t broken or bent. I take solace in the finite opportunities life provides for restitution.
This morning my local country store called to say I’d inadvertently picked up another customer’s special-order organic milk. Would I mind bringing it back? Drive 25 miles round trip to return two $3 bottles of milk when my time is worth. . .? well, never mind. “Of course I will.” In a heartbeat.
So you know, I have certain rules governing this and similar circumstances:
- When a down-on-his-luck plumber, electrician or wood cutter pulls up the driveway, hire him — whether you need his services or not.
- When a panhandler begs for change, pay him. There but for fortune go you or I.
- Always hold the door for others. Remember Guy de Maupassant’s pointed observation on the self-centered egotist: “He was always the first man through the door.”
- If you see a nail in a parking lot, pick it up and put it in your pocket.
- When a tiny startup with a great idea comes to you for help but can’t afford your services, cut your price in half and take the job anyway.
- When a lonely old woman or man wants to bend your ear, stop and listen.
- If the driver in front of you hits a wild animal or somebody’s beloved pet and speeds on, stop, pick it up, take it to the vet, and pay for the vet’s services out of your own pocket.
- If a horse bites you, don’t hesitate — immediately smack him in the mouth hard, one time. You’ll never have to again, nor will the next rider. Works on bullies, racists and bigots, as well.
I’m sure that those taking the trouble to read this blog can add to the list. Such small acts cost nothing, really, and are the soul of true “freeconomics.” If there’s a Dorian Gray-style portrait of me hidden away in some closet, perhaps it shows a blemish or two less.
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