And 3M is trying not to miss a trick. Some sports, such as football, are winner's games. The team with the most successful offense wins. Others, such as golf, are loser's games. That depends on what type of market you're in.
Bull markets are basically winner's games.
If you take as much risk as you can stomach, chances are you'll be rewarded. The broad upward sweep of share prices will make up for any minor errors in timing or stock selection. But when you're in the midst of a bear market, realize that you're playing a loser's game. Right now, investment success hinges on not losing, and the smartest strategy is to favor companies with a high degree of consistency and predictability. Such companies typically have strong finances, well-diversified product lines, a balance between domestic and international sales and a long history of dividend increases.