"I think they got caught up in how much money they could get from each of the city governments as far as tax rebates. But that stuff works when you make money. It's a little bit phantom money"

The quote by David Neeleman discuss a common problem in the relationship between organizations and government entities, especially in the context of tax incentives and refunds. Neeleman recommends that companies may become overly focused on the immediate monetary advantages they can draw out from city governments through these incentives. Such benefits often can be found in the kind of tax refunds, essentially decreasing the company's monetary responsibilities in return for its existence in or promise of financial development to the city.

Nevertheless, Neeleman hints at a vital caveat-- these incentives make good sense only when a business is profiting. When he describes this as "phantom cash", he indicates that the assured monetary returns may not emerge as anticipated. This could be due to a range of factors: the company may not attain the awaited level of service success, or the financial conditions might shift, making the initial contracts less beneficial or relevant.

The principle of "phantom money" here suggests an illusory gain, where the supposed financial benefits exist on paper but might not equate into real-world success. It's a cautionary tip that prospective tax rebates and similar rewards can develop a deceptive perception of financial security and stability. Business might depend too greatly on these "phantom" gains, potentially at the expense of focusing on core competencies and service methods that drive real profits.

In essence, Neeleman's quote is a critique of strategies that overstate short-term financial maneuvers at the expense of long-lasting viability and development. It functions as a caution for both organizations and local government to be conscious of the more comprehensive ramifications and prospective pitfalls of these financial plans. By describing these earnings as "phantom cash", Neeleman highlights the value of building a sustainable service design that does not rely heavily on short-lived financial rewards.