Entrepreneurial Spirit

Economic downturns always bring out the best and the worst of people. Some will complain and find excuses, while other get up early in the day and do their best to do something to improve their situation. Of course, we have people like disgraced county managers, that despite being given $150K in severance to "tide them over", run to the unemployment office to suck more public money fom those with real need. then we have people the man that went around the offices in our plaza yesterday passing out flyers for his mobile car wash business. He will wash your car while you are working for $20.00. He is back today and it looks like he has about 5 cars to wash. There are many businesses that can be started with very little capital, but a little sweat and preparation. If you have a particular talent there might be a business that can be made of it. If you know how to work on small engines, perhaps going to people home to repair and service lawnmowers would be attractive to those of us not as handy, but unable to take the mower to a shop. The same might be for screen repairs, or installation of mailboxes. Pressure washing for small jobs is always in need. Growing season is still a couple months away in Florida, but many people would want their gardens tilled. If you have tools and equipment great, but otherwise, Craigslist.com may have what you need. Flyers don't have to be fancy and can be copied for a few dollars at office stores. The key is getting off the sofa. I was listening to friend complain about not finding a job. I suggested that she go to K-mart and for about $30.00, she buy cleaning supplies and since she lives in an apartment complex with almost 300 apartments, that surely, some would pay her $20.00 to clean their bathrooms every week or two. Her reply was that she didn't have $30.00. This after, she had spent at least $30.00 on cigarettes earlier in the day. PRIORITIES, PRIORITIES!!!

Business as Personal Phoenix

Sometimes opportunity presents itself when things seem at their worst. Unfortunate circumstances can happen to anyone. With all the jobs being cut in the public sector as tax revenues are depleted, The best option may be to start or buy a business. Our office sold two businesses last year to county employees taking a buy out settlement that they were able to invest in businesses that excited them as they had not been in years. Since the job prospects are still dim in many respects, this can be the opportunity you have waited for to try the idea that you have wanted to in the past but were too comfortable where you were. Going into business is always a challenge, but being unemployed is frustrating for anyone with self-motivation. Sometimes, there are situations in a persons background that make finding employment more or a challenge when the competition for existing jobs is fierce. Being out of the workforce for an extended period of time whether it was for raising a family or just being unavailable to work. I was engaged in a discussion recently about the reluctance of employers to hire anyone that had spent time in prison. The best option for those people may be to go into business so that they don't have to deal with that. Decide what talent you have that, with some training, perhaps at the local tech center, can be converted into a viable business. Of course, be sure to check the licensing requirements to see if that can be a problem. So, no matter how bleak things seem when surprises and drastic changes first take place, those with a positive approach to life will find a way to success.

15 Keys to Success in Business

15 Keys to Success in Business...

Key #1- Select a business that fits your personality and value system.
Key #2- Determine the need for the business and potential for growth.
Key #3- Develop a viable but flexible business plan.
Key #4- Put your team of advisors together. Attorney, accountant, insurance agent, computer consultant.
Key #5- Know your financial capacity and plan accordingly.
Key #6- Develop an affordable marketing plan.
Key #7- Outsource jobs others can do better; printing, payroll services.
Key #8- Respect your customers - listen to their needs.
Key #9- Network with the business community.
Key #10- Never stop learning. Take advantage of education and information opportunities available.
Key #11- Keep yourself healthy.
Key #12- Keep your personal life in balance; don't forget family.
Key #13- Plan diversion; everyone needs to get away to maintain balance.
Key #14- Give back to the community.
Key #15- Believe in yourself.

Buying a business has always been a dream for many people and it can be easier that most people think. The entrepreneural spirit is still alive and America is still one of the best places in the world to start and be in business.