I read an article written by Ian Cassel where he talks about what matters most. Cassel realized early in his investment career that he neither had the mental horsepower nor the will power to apply complex mental models and robust 300-line item investment checklists, while also assessing whether he has fallen prey to a myriad of behavioral biases. Instead Cassel has tried his best to replace complexity with simplicity. One of the ways has been to apply simple qualifying statements in a way that focuses him on what matters most.
Successful long-term investors have the ability to disconnect the business from the stock price. It’s why it’s important to focus on being a great business analyst, not a stock analyst. Active patience is the hardest skill-set to develop.
Active patience = diligently verifying your thesis and doing nothing until there is something to do.
As investors, we are under constant attack of information overload. Most of it is self-inflicted. This deluge of information can make it difficult to focus and remain disciplined. One of the negative side effects of constant exposure to short-term distractions is it causes investors to overthink and overanalyze. They start believing everything is important, when in reality very little of it is important. A butterfly farts in Spain and investors are analyzing its effects. Stop looking for every and any excuse …..to act.
Here is a simple yet powerful question that investors can use to qualify new information: Does any of this new information make a material impact on the relationship or bond the business has with its customers?
Cassel warns us not to be lazy and make lackadaisical assumptions about this bond or relationship. “Well, their product is cheaper, better customer service, blah blah, done! I understand the bond.” No, no no. Talk to customers and ask them. Get the differential insights that will bring the relationship to life. The relationship and bond that businesses have with their customers is what matters most. Understand the bond so investors know what drives them. Everything else is just noise.
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