Money loves speed
July 3, 2025
Playa Caracol, Panama
“How in the world do those guys expect to move that rock?”
(Can’t read the full email – click here for the online version.)
The community where we have our beach place is only 14 kilometers (9 miles) from the Pan-American Highway. Yet it often takes 30 minutes to navigate.
Let me explain.
The paved road does pass through a couple of villages where the “obligatory” speed bump will cause you to slow down to 10km/hour. And there are some curves and short hills with blind spots. But none of these are enough to make this short stretch of road so slow.
No, the real reason is the number and severity of potholes and washouts. Unless you wish to blow a tire, crack a driving rod, you slow your vehicle down to a crawl when navigating these sections.
So, it was with some hope and joy that we were stopped the other day, to allow a dump-truck to empty its load and see that some work was being done about the road’s condition.
In typical Latin American fashion, monitoring traffic and directing the truck were just 2 men. No other workmen were present. We also noticed that the only tools these two had to use to move the load of rock and rubble, was a couple of shovels. No crowbar, no pick-axe – no bobcat!
5 kilometers up the road as we neared the main highway we passed a backhoe lumbering along, presumably to move the fill dropped by the truck. Meaning those 2 workmen would be waiting at least another half an hour before any real work was going to be done.
A day or 2 later, we noticed that a small team with the backhoe had begun to remove the ruined blacktop, and more fill was being added and spread out. But like the backhoe example, a large rolling machine was lumbering along at a snail’s pace, obviously dropped off at the main highway. We wondered naturally, why they did not deliver this machine (and the backhoe before) via a flatbed truck.
At first glance, one might think that the reason was that the road is narrow, too small for large trucks. But the fact that large vehicles are rolling daily to and from our community proves that certainly is not the case. Maybe because labor is so cheap, they don’t mind the inefficiencies.
Whatever the reason, instances like these (and there are many) give a bemused smile to my face and a shake of the head. Work does get done and no one seems to be too bothered by the manner in how it does.
This slowness and inefficiency, however, are not a recipe for success for your business, particularly if your base is in the Northern Hemisphere.
Money Loves Speed
Accelerate Your Business Profits Through Action and Agility
For business owners and consultants striving to enhance profitability, the mantra “money loves speed” serves as both a rallying cry and a strategic principle. But what does it truly mean, and how can you harness its power to propel your business forward?
At its core, the “speed” principle underscores the idea that timely decision-making and prompt execution can create a competitive advantage. In an environment where consumer preferences shift rapidly and market trends are ever evolving, those who react swiftly tend to capture opportunities before they evaporate. This quick response isn’t merely about being fast; it’s about being efficient while maintaining quality.
Let’s consider a real-world example: during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that quickly pivoted to online sales or modified their operations to meet new health guidelines often outperformed their slower counterparts. Companies like Zoom experienced exponential growth because they swiftly adapted to the needs of a suddenly remote workforce. In contrast, businesses that hesitated struggled to keep pace, highlighting the critical link between speed and profitability.
The Power of Decisiveness
Decisiveness stems from having a clear vision and understanding your market. Business leaders must cultivate an environment where choices are made quickly, backed by data but not bogged down by over-analysis. Research suggests that procrastination can cost businesses significantly in lost opportunities; a McKinsey study revealed that agile companies achieve 30-50% higher returns than their more sluggish peers.
Creating an Agile Culture
Fostering a culture of agility within your organization lays the groundwork for financial success. Encourage your team to take calculated risks and embrace innovation. Work to empower employees to make decisions without having to wait for upper management. A culture where individuals feel ownership over their work translates to quicker action and innovation, ultimately driving financial growth.
Streamlining Operations
To truly embrace the principle that money loves speed, evaluate your operations for bottlenecks that impede efficiency. Consider automating repetitive tasks to streamline workflow and free up valuable resources for strategic initiatives.
For instance, adopt customer relationship management (CRM) and automated follow-up systems that allow not only for seamless communication but also increase conversion rates to either direct sales or appointments. Streamlining these back-end processes will also enhance customer satisfaction, driving repeat business and referrals—two crucial components of sustained profitability.
Taking Swift Action
Action is the heartbeat of profitability. Regularly assess your strategies and don’t be afraid to pivot. Analyze your key performance indicators (KPIs) frequently—monthly, weekly, or even daily—to identify areas of opportunity or concern. When data indicates a necessary change, act decisively to implement that change.
Conclusion: Speed as Your Competitive Weapon
In conclusion, "Money loves speed" is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a crucial mantra for business owners and consultants aiming to maximize profits. By embedding decisiveness, agility, and a commitment to swift action into your organizational culture, you’ll position yourself to capture opportunities and outpace competitors.
Fuel your business growth by embracing the urgency that comes with speed. Don’t merely react to the market—anticipate it, act on your insights, and watch as your profits accelerate in tandem with your operational agility. After all, in the race for success, the early and the swift are often the ones who reap the richest rewards.
Until next week,
Stay healthy and focus on profit!
- Hugh
The “Profit Accelerator” Expert
