The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that all stocks drop at one time or another, and BCE's 9-per-cent decline since the summer is actually quite mild. The Globe's John Heinzl writes that stocks will often sell off 10 per cent or more. Learning to accept volatility is a critical step to becoming a successful investor. Instead of obsessing about short-term price moves, investors should focus on the outlook for the business. Stock prices are influenced by all sorts of short-term factors, but if the company's revenue, earnings and dividends are growing, the share price should ultimately climb over the long run. Mr. Heinzl says he owns BCE shares (now $58.16) in his personal account and plans to hold them based on the company's favourable outlook. In its third-quarter results released in early November, BCE posted revenue and wireless subscriber growth that both topped expectations. One of his main reasons for buying BCE was for its rising dividend, and he expects another hike in February. Whether the stock is BCE or any other company, a falling share price is, in and of itself, no cause for alarm. It may even present a buying opportunity, as long as the business remains healthy.