I was listening to the news this morning and the banter between the experts was pretty crazy. One was saying that "small business held the key to this economy getting back on it's feet" another that " Wall Street had to get it's act together" and the host seemed to put all his trust in the governments federal stimulus package.

I started thinking about how often in history leaders have been held captive to superstition and omens. Before a battle Julius Caesar would always consult his soothsayer, Pharaoh's would check with the priests and so many would consult the stars. Did those practices really make a difference or was it the confidence that a favorable omen provided that made the difference?

So in this economy we all have to ask ourselves - What am I watching? What sign is going to trigger a return to normalcy for my business? Who am I listening to - who is my soothsayer?

One leader who broke the mold - at least a little - was Alexander the Great. When faced with a situation that was shrouded in superstition he could have spent hours trying to solve the puzzle of the Gordion Knot, Instead he simply cut it with his sword and moved on. Doesn't that sounds like a great response in this economy? Whether a Bull or Bear market - good business practices are good business practices.