There's a little carpet cleaning place a few blocks from where I rest my head. It's dingy and small. I looks like it has been there for 50 years or more. In a modernized shopping area, it is the lone standout. I never really paid much mind do it until the other day, when I drove by and saw a bright sign in the window that read:

We Clean Ugg Boots

I went through my expected reaction chain: First, the this is the end of Western civilization train of thought pulled into the station. Then, how socialist eskimos and slutbag couture are ruining my visual fabric. Third, I fantasized about choking an HYP alum/union rep...but then I calmed down.

I thought to myself, this is actually a stroke of brilliance. Here is this small, entrenched business with a very specific and engrained operating procedure... branching up, out and away, while staying true to itself.

Yes, I know that none of us here are tradesmen. But if you think about it a bit, there is an absolute ton that Wall Street could learn about doing business from these little carpet cleaners and thousands of small businesses reinventing themselves to stay relevant.

I don't hide my skepticism with the current state of the financial services industry. I have been around for too long to believe that the same mistakes can constantly be repeated without heavy penalties. I am glad to see markets doing better and unemployment numbers down a bit. I am certain, however, that Wall Street cannot continue with business as usual for a whole lot longer. In the long run, we are all going to be out of work and out of bonus season without the return of the little guy investors.

That's precisely why I want to hear some suggestions from you younger guys on how you think investment banks can improve their business models in ways which are both positive for revenue and image.

This whole Wall Street vs. Main Street thing is fucking stupid. Wall Street doesn't survive without Main Street and ultimately, vice versa. Most of our time here is spent arguing and defending our points of view. Can we actually come up with some creative solutions? Or are we doomed to forever toe party, fiscal and ideological lines?

As I guy who is pretty far to the right side of the spectrum on most issues, I'll start off by throwing a suggestive curveball. Some might think I've gone off the deep end on this one, but what does it hurt? This idea comes from companies such as TOMS shoes and mirrors the socially conscious approach to business, which I (admittedly) have barfed upon more than once in my posts. It may, however, be a boon for Wall Street. Even if all you guys hate me for suggesting it...

How to Rebuild a Burned Bridge

Instead of dealing with the inevitable higher taxes/banking levies awaiting the industry, how about a self regulatory/community outreach approach to business?

A pre-emptive strike if you will. A pre-negotiated percentage payout from each bank's bonus pool to small business financing activities in a given area. Think of it as domestic micro finance. Bulge Bracket bank "X" promotes and creates a fund powered by 2% of its yearly bonus pool. This fund gives out low interest rate loans to local small business start-ups. The cost is relatively small, there will be some returns and more importantly...you buy the affection that is necessary to proceed with business as usual...

Why would this work? Why wouldn't it? What would you suggest instead?