We’ve all done it. Sunglasses on. Shade overhead. Not a ray of sun in sight but we’re starring in our own imaginary photoshoot. Style over sense…
And we’ve all had that photo-op moment “Wait, let me wear my sunglasses before you take that photo.”
Not because the sun’s out or to protect our eyes, but to protect the image. An image that says “I’ve got this”. Because heaven forbid anyone sees us looking normal. We need to look cool and make sure everyone knows it. Even if reality is less shiny.
In business, we pull the same stunts. Different props, same idea:
- Sponsoring events for “exposure” when creditors are already exposed and chasing you like its a sport
- Flying business class to negotiate a loan extension because nothing says financial discipline like arriving but in style
- Letting employee super sit unpaid because nothing builds staff morale like discovering their retirement fund is on an extended holiday.
- Installing a water feature in the office while the real “flow” problem is your cash flow and the only thing in free fall is your revenue
It’s not about fixing the fundamentals, it’s about looking like we don’t need fixing.
In everyday life, sunglasses in the shade just make us look a bit ridiculous. In business, that same obsession with image over substance can send the whole ship to the bottom.
If we actually want protection from the glare of the ATO, the bank and the market, we don’t need Ray-Bans. We need:
- A budget we actually follow
- Cash flow we actively manage
- An adviser who’ll tell us the truth, even if it’s not Instagram friendly
Because no matter how good the photo looks, there’s no filter that turns red numbers black. Get the numbers right and suddenly you won’t need the props…