Economy (12)

Twenty-something branches out on her own with The Lioness GroupSPRINGFIELD, MASS. June 17, 2009 – With less employment options to turn to, many college graduates and early to mid-level professionals are investing in their greatest asset – themselves.“I like to think that I am a reflection of young, Black twenty-somethings looking to go into business for themselves. I want The Lioness Group to be a mirror image of our local business community and representing a diverse clientele will allow me to do that,” Natasha Clark, recent founder of The Lioness Group said.“I've always been asked if I do freelance work on the side. I never had the courage to actually step out and establish myself as a separate entity. But like so many other twenty-somethings facing this economic crisis, I realized that my future and talents are best left to be managed by me. The Lioness Group will allow me to do that on my own terms,” Clark said.The Lioness Group aims to serve entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to get their passion out to the masses, but it has an immediate goal of serving the minority business population. The last thing a small business owner wants to do is a face phenomenal fee after they've just invested so much into getting their dream up and running. The Lioness Group offers affordable, quality writing, editing and media services to entrepreneurs, artists, authors and small business owners including Web site content, marketing strategies, public relations and more.As a journalist, Clark has spent the last several years working with members of the local business community and getting an understanding of what they need. She has the dual advantage of standing in both the shoes of the entrepreneur and those of the media. She said it is terrifying being on the opposite end.“I think as a reporter, we tend to get in and out and we’re on to the next thing. As an entrepreneur the stress, the workload, it’s all waiting for you in the morning,” Clark explained. “I never considered starting my own company. I love to write and I’ve always been pleased to do it for someone else. But with layoffs, cuts and rising costs, I had to reevaluate my career path.”About The Lioness GroupThe Lioness Group was founded in 2009 after local business owners expressed a need for quality, low-cost writing and media services. For more information visit www.thelionessgroup.com
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While there are many "holiday sales" going on this weekend, have you actively searched out any Black owned biz to show your support by purchasing from them? I am going to purchase the quicklip leash cell phone accessory for my daughter at www.buyblacktoday.com/TeamDollar so she won't lose or drop her new phone. She made the A-B Honor roll all year for 9th grade, so I'm looking to purchase a MetroPCS phone from a Black franchise owner.While I’m online I will also purchase a bottle of Ebony Secret Skin Toner and Conditioner this weekend during the holiday sale. I can buy one and get one bottle half price. One for me to take care of some moles that are coming up on my back. Used it before on one on my face and it just disintegrated it. One for my hubbie for his razor bumps. I am also going to get him a quicklip leash for his phone for father’s day. I’ve had one since last July and he has wanted one ever since.I want to hear about your shopping adventures this weekend!

www.buyblacktoday.com/TeamDollar
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We have a Black man in the White House; we have millions of Black businesses and entrepreneurs in this country. So why do we continue to spend our money with other businesses? 95% of the $900+ Billion that Black people earn each year goes right out of our communities and making other people rich. We as a people are richer than the combination of numerous countries, but yet as a people we do not exert the economic power that we possess.I am asking every Black person to reevaluate how they spend their money. Have we been so brain washed by the mass media advertising that we have to buy those rims, designer jewelry, purses and shoes? Ever wonder why McDonald's and BK just to name a few, have commercials geared specifically towards our youth? Personally I am offended by most of them. Did you know that major corporations spend millions on researching how Blacks spend their money so they can produce even more advertising targeted towards us? If everyone else thinks our money is so important, then maybe how we spend our money could really make a difference.Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X and even Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. all spoke on these same issues of our people manufacturing and distributing our own products. What if spending an extra dollar or two to support a Black business meant more jobs in your community, or more taxes being paid that would help build better schools and other improvements? Wouldn't it be nice if our youth saw thriving Black businesses all around them and they would want to become a successful entrepreneur instead of a gang banger, thief, drug dealer, etc.?We’ve been hoodwinked, bamboozled, lead astray as Brother Malcolm said many years ago. We have to get out of the notion that to be accepted we have to buy from everybody else. Our community doesn’t own Wal-Mart, Macy’s or JC Penney’s, but our money is going to them and thousands of other stores every single day.Here’s an example I heard used a few weeks ago. Japan was defeated, military destroyed, and surrendered after WWII. Afterwards they focused on their home front. Re-building their communities, producing products and services and buying from each other. Similar story around the same time for the Jewish population who came to the U.S. No one would give them a job, so they produced their own products and services and bought exclusively from each other. They only employed other Jewish people. Look how much they accomplished in just a few generations. Is this racist? No, the only way to get their communities thriving was producing items and selling within their own community. Look at all of the other cultures that do the same and prospered.So my mission that I started on about a year ago was to find Black Businesses and Entrepreneurs and find Black Consumers to buy from them (or at least see if what they are looking to buy is available at these businesses before they make their purchases elsewhere.) I drive right by Wal-Mart or Walgreens to get aspirin from a Black owned pharmacy. We use a Black computer analyst for our business IT needs. I just had a Black, independent mechanic change the brakes on my car. My dentist is Black. I buy my hair care and body/bath products directly from the Black manufacturers at www.buyblacktoday.com/TeamDollar. Am I racist? No, I know my Black dollars are benefiting Black businesses inside and outside of my community. And you know what? It makes me feel absolutely wonderful to support them. If you are looking for a Black Business Network with members from all over the country, who support each other by also finding customers for the other members, visit www.BlackBusinessNetwork.com/TeamDollar.
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Alternative Job Fairs need you!

More than 37 million Americans live in poverty, and the vast majority of them are in line for extra help under the giant stimulus package coming out of Congress. Millions more could be kept from slipping into poverty by the economic lifeline.People who get food stamps — 30 million and growing — will get more. People drawing unemployment checks — 4.8 million and growing — would get an extra $25, and keep those checks coming longer. People who get Supplemental Security Income — 7 million poor Americans who are elderly, blind or disabled — would get one-time extra payments of $250.If we can just help 1 percent become self-sustaining that will be some help considering the very little the stimulus plan will do.SummaryMake A Difference Ministries is a not-for-profit humanitarian program that serves all of Johnson County, Cleburne TX. MADM goal is to help unemployed families in Johnson County and expand to help others nationally by soliciting, collecting, and packaging food for distribution through a network of service agencies and programs that serve our target population groups. Our services include food box programs, alternative job fairs, utility assistance, and a youth job shadowing program that provides opportunities for self-sufficiency activities for "at risk" youth.Unemployment rates continue to rise and now millions of families are without sustainable income. Our client base is low-mid income people, mainly families, who need emergency help to put food on the table. Nearly half of those served by the program are children. MADM facility where we store donated clothes for distribution will host our first alternative Job Fair. The program is, soliciting food donations, vendors, and door prizes. In addition, we are offering an alternative from traditional job fairs to bringing in net-workers, small business owners to mentors others how to use one’s skill or talent to make a living.Alternative Job Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with recruiters who would appreciate training and mentoring prospects.Our services will improve the ability of families to care for children and achieve goals of self-sufficiency. MADM services, now, are a small investment in comparison to cost of ignoring the problem of unemployment, hunger, in the country and the influence it has on a number of health, mental health and crime issues.MissionThe mission of MADM is to help as many families as possible by soliciting, collecting, packaging food for distribution through a network of agencies and programs, as well as provide opportunities for self sufficiency. Our services include food box programs, alternative job fairs, and children's programs.ObjectivesThis new initiative is designed to create an Alternative Job Fair that will serve all of Johnson County, Cleburne TX and expand nationally. Our objectives are:• Effectively organize our first alternative job fair with a network of vendors, volunteers, as a pilot event before expansion.• Establish donation network of local growers, retailers, wholesalers, and processors in Johnson County and provide utility assistance.• Establish youth program that will employ "at risk" youth.• Collect over four million pounds of food the first year of operation. Increase collection amount by 20% each year.• Effectively distribute the food to low-income families that make up over 20% of Johnson County.• Acquire $500,000 of start-up funding through corporate, private charities and government financial support.• Raise an additional $100,000 in fundraising activity.Strategy and SummaryMADM will focus on establishing an effective system for organizing alternative job fairs, collection network with retailers, wholesalers, and processors. Another primary goal will be the creation of a youth program that will employ "at risk" youth. The program will also start a fundraising campaign with area retail markets, banks and credit unions in order to raise an additional $100,000.MADM will advertise its services to the target populations groups through the agencies that serve these groups on a daily basis.Marketing StrategyMADM program will focus on increasing its visibility in the community. Participating business and food retail stores will carry information about MADM and how programs like this one are helping the community. Award certificates will be distributed to businesses each year and the program will find additional methods to raise the profile of businesses that assist the program.Program brochures will be distributed by local social service programs and agencies that serve the target population groups. In addition, these programs and agencies will serve as advocates of using MADM in response to the need for emergency food.Fundraising StrategyMADM will immediately start a Fundraising campaign that will focus on using the local banks and credit unions to collect donations to help unemployed families. Typically, food drives are started in October and November. MADM will place donation bins in participating banks and credit union. In addition, customers in local retail food stores can donate money to MADM at the checkout stand at participating businesses.Vendors will pay a booth fee and various speakers will pay a registration fee to highlight their business and do presentations. We need your support contact us thru www.kellermakeadifference.webs.com
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Before you started your business, or even started planning one, you were just a regular citizen, and likely a regular employee. You didn’t worry about business plans, hours, hiring services, profit and loss, or any of the business issues that business owners face every day. You probably paid a little attention to marketing and advertising because it’s all over the place, but you never had to worry about getting your name out there. Perhaps the state of the economy crossed your mind, but not for very long. Now, as an entrepreneur, knowing this information and paying attention to these details has become part of your everyday. Fortunately, there are ways to focus on developing a positive business mindset and ignoring the stresses of every day life.....learn moreBrought To You By The Black Business Community Network
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By Karen A. DavisOkay, I admit it. Although I am typically quite optimistic, some days, this economy can really get me down. The building industry has taken a big hit in this recession we’re in. But, we know with time, this season of crisis will pass.So if projects in your office have slowed or if you’ve been laid-off, continue to work toward your goals, develop and review your personal and professional marketing objectives, and stay in top shape – physically, mentally and work-wise – so you’re ready for those new projects and deals coming your way.1. Stay on a regular work schedule. Wake up as if you have a number of clients to keep happy at the office. It’s easy to sleep in for a while and treat your first few days (or weeks) as a vacation, but you must remain on task: continuing to look for new projects or a new position.2. Don’t isolate yourself. Make regular appointments to meet with colleagues to discuss job and project possibilities. If you’re a designer, or if you specify products, make regular showroom visits to stay current.3. Boost your ego. Make a list of all of your skills and qualifications, even if they are not directly related to your profession or the services you currently offer. Next, develop a plan to articulate how these skill sets can benefit others. When you’re going after that next job or project, you don’t want to go in with the attitude, “How can you help me?” rather “How can I help you?”4. Learn new skills. Download free software such as Google SketchUp. Or locate live classes for other interests through Meetup.com or other social networking sites.5. Write about the things you know on a blog, whether it’s your profession or a hobby. Include a link to your site as part of your e-mail signature.6. Take advantage of free education. Many trade publication sites offer free webinars, training videos, and articles for continuing education units.7. Explore all the possibilities. What’s your passion? If you were not in your current profession what would you do? Determine how you can relate what you really love to what you do for a living.8. Volunteer. Nothing can make you forget about your temporary troubles quicker than helping someone else. Teaching a student math or a construction skill, or building a house with Habitat for Humanity can benefit your community as well as your resume.A recessive economy doesn’t have to mean idle time. Create a job for yourself and become the building industry professional you aspire to be.Karen A. Davis has over 20 years experience in the architecture, construction and facilities management fields. She is founder and president of Building Industry Resources, a company that provides business development and technical support services, and managing partner with KARMIS, LLC, a construction and facilities consulting firm. Ms. Davis is also a college instructor and author.
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Why this Economy is exactly what you need??!!

Why this economy is just what you need?Being a winner takes practice and the only way to truly test your skills is to have some adversity.I know I know you say but Richelle, did it have to be this bad. The answer is YES. My friend Debbi Somers and I chat about this often. A little background, Debbi owns Somers Furniture which has morphed from a convention rental company to events rental, custom furniture manufacturer for all of the hot spots in Vegas. Debbi's business generates close to $5million in sales every year. Not by accident! She says, Richelle, I have had to re-invent myself 4 times in the last 19 years. There were several years that I did not take a salary in order to keep my good employees and keep cash flow going but I work better in times of struggle.Instead of taking lots of vacations, I work on the business 24/7. I am up thinking of what next.That is the piece that is missing from many of the struggling businesses right now – the What Next factor.Bill Glazer is president of Glazer Kennedy Insider’s Circle and his formula for a successful business includes the WN, which is What Next. This should be an on going process so that during times of struggle, you have a back up plan.Instead of thinking about what is wrong with the economy, your mind should shift to what is wrong with your business.Why are your customers not coming back?Why was your service the first service cut in a weak economy?What are people spending money on right now?The answer to question number 1 is usually, because you forgot to keep in touch with your customers. You only communicated with them when you got around to it and to only ask them for money. You forgot to have a real relationship with constant dialog and working together.The answer to number 2 – you took anyone who would buy, instead of focusing on clients who are more geared to the affluent who still have equity in their homes, who still have a safety net, who are not price shoppers.The answer to number 3 – the mall was full when I went to vote, with lots of bags and packages, people are buying. Marketing to the affluent is your safeguard against what is going on in this economy. They understand a bargain, they are looking for great deals. Be sure that you are able to provide them.If you are struggling to build your business, not coming up with ideas during this recession - join us in the Women of Color Coaching Program.www.womenofcolorcoach.org to download the application!
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Staying Alive!

As each day seems to be quite unpredictable, one thing is certainly predictable - the economy is slipping further into the negative direction. As we look to our new president elect Barack Obama to create a miraculous turn, we realize that he will not take office until January and things are not looking good - we need help now. The talk of working to fix the economy is just not enough - we want immediate action. Some of us cannot wait that long......and January 21st, 2009 will not be the day we see the difference. It appears that the focus is mainly on Wall Street and the big companies as they are looked to be the leaders of the economy. However, we know that this dilemma affects us all.Health care is an essential part of business. However, the health care industry is also facing major cuts in various areas. Who would think that this day would ever come? When one would ask what fields are sound to find stability - the health care industry would be mentioned on the top of the list. The truth is, this is not so true anymore. Hospitals are laying off their employees and replacing them with temporary employees. Nurses are signing on to temporary agencies to keep themselves employed. Hospitals and Nursing Homes have closed. Moratoriums are in place for certain business applications who seek to do business within various states. Partnership programs that provides health care services to low income and under served communities have already close due to the loss of funding and those who remain open are preparing to layoff workers within the next few weeks.The health care industry is the line of business that we target. However, we have had to make some major adjustments to find ways to stay viable. We had to review our services and find ways to become creative. It is certainly not an easy task as we have to convince the clients that we can offer them just what they need. How is your business doing? Have you considered reviewing your business plan, looking at what you have to offer and who can benefit from your services? As I mentioned before, we are a health care focused company. However, we have found ourselves doing business with corporate companies that needed our service - who would have even imagined that we could cross over? Yet we have and it is helping to keep us alive. Look closely at your business, can you use your expertise and help others in the field? Have you considered being a speaker/lecturer at a local community college? How about hosting an event that shows off your business? It does not have to be a big shing dig - just a simple customer appreciation day - with juice, fruit and pastries. Smile at your customers - let them know how much you value their patronage. It may be the thing to keep them coming back and telling others - and that's a plus.
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Bad Bailout!!

How the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 Affects "Real" Small Businesses

Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services released the text of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. I spent a few hours reading through it and I have some thoughts. In a nutshell, the Act allows the United States Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) pursuant to which it can purchase the "troubled assets" of certain financial institutions. It also creates a new regulatory body, the Office of Financial Stability, within the Treasury Department, the purpose of which is to implement TARP. You can view a section-by-section summary of the Act here. (PDF)

Stack_of_bills

While I am glad to see that, under the Act, the actions of regulators would be subject to review by federal courts, and also that the Act includes some provisions to help home buyers and (on paper anyway) prevent the corporate elite who started all of these problems from enjoying windfall profits, I can't help but note that this is not really an emergency. An emergency is unforeseen, yet we've been watching this happen for years. And lawmakers have done nothing until now. Calling it am "emergency" does not excuse any of them, or the millionaires who are at the heart of this debacle, from the consequences they should (but will not likely) face. Regardless of whether we "must" act now, and in this way, I am very troubled by this piece of legislation from a policy perspective, particularly as it affects Indie Business owners. Here's why.

Small Business in the United States of America

The US Small Business Administration allows certain businesses to be defined as "small" so that they can take advantage of various set-aside programs and benefits that theoretically ensure that they can get their fair share of government contracts, minority set asides and other opportunities. The amount of revenue a "small" business can generate and still qualify as "small" varies depending on the industry.

A sheep farmer, for example, is "small" if he grosses $750,000 or less a year. That's a lot of money to most people. Other companies can make endless millions of dollars without limit so long as they have only a certain number of employees. In practice, this has amounted to the mis-classifying of "employees" as "independent contractors" by multi-billion dollar companies so they can take advantage of more government contracts.

So you see, "small" is not really small in America.

America's Real Small Businesses

The true definition of small business is represented by an important and growing segment of our economy that is often overlooked. They are what I call "Indie Businesses" and I am proud to be counted among their number. We are making substantial contributions, yet not grossing anywhere near what the US government calls "small."

Indie Business owners are a subset of the larger category of "small" business owners. We are a sort of cross between consumers and business owners. We are consumer business owners if you will.

Many of us maintain traditional jobs as we also own and manage our businesses. Many of us are also the primary home managers and caregivers to our children. Some of us leave the traditional workforce so we can be more accessible to our children while they are young, yet we must continue to make a financial contribution to the family, so we work at home or in a location close to home so we can do both.

There was a time when we were mainly women who were also mothers, but lately, our ranks have swelled to include men who are fathers, and on a larger scale, people in general who seek an alternative to the limitations that come along with pursuing a traditional career path. My educated guess based on nearly 15 years of work in this field leads me to believe that our annual income ranges from $0 and $2 or $3M a year on the high end -- nowhere near the average annual gross receipts of a "small" business as defined by our government.

Now, The Bailout

It is against this backdrop that we must assess the current economic bailout. Let's look at the big picture. The US Department of Treasury's stated mission is to "serve the American people and strengthen national security by managing the US Government's finances effectively, promoting economic growth and stability, and ensuring the safety, soundness, and security of the US and international financial systems." So let's start with that. Buying out failed mortgage brokers because the Secretary of the Treasury thinks it's a good idea does not manage taxpayer money effectively. That's reason enough to vote against this bailout plan.

How the Bailout is Affecting Indie Business Owners

The bailout sends hard working Indie Business owners the wrong policy message. Government exists to support and encourage policies that allow us to live the "American dream," whatever that means to us. But bailing out large companies by simply buying them with our money, after watching their leaders make one poor business decision after another for years, underscores the fact that, in America, you can wisely invest your money in your business all you want, and the government will still find a way to put your assets at risk.

Credit is already nearly impossible to come by for our kind of businesses. Most Indie Businesses are owned by women who, no matter the size of the business they own, already have a hard time procuring business loans and venture capital investments. Our only real option is to bootstrap our ventures with credit cards while holding down a full-time job. We do this for years hoping that the business will eventually support us so we can exit the traditional workforce and continue to pursue our dream full-time.

Some members of the Indie Beauty Network have told me, for example, that their attempts to purchase manufacturing supplies using credit cards through Wachovia (one of the failing financial institutions) are being declined even though they have credit on the card, are not even close to maxing it out and have not missed any payments. I'm sure that will continue. How can they run their manufacturing businesses if they can't purchase supplies?

This bailout plan creates a climate that is decidedly unfriendly to Indie Business owners who are managing our nation's real small businesses. In addition, we are running our homes, trying to find gas (in Charlotte, NC where I live, most stations have none!) and raising children to thrive in a world where business ownership is a necessity and not an option as technology replaces the jobs that are not shipped overseas. We are making significant contributions to our nation's economy, while also working to secure our futures and the futures of our children.

This bailout is demoralizing and distasteful. It sends the message to Indie Business owners that unethical business practices are overlooked and rewarded. We live in a nation where traditional jobs are drying up by the millions. We must have our own businesses to be comfortable and to be empowered to provide a strong launching pad for our children. We are leaving no stone unturned in order to do that. Yet, our credit options are fizzling out as our need to be profitable increases literally by the hour.

This new law is the next chapter in the saga of the incestuous relationship that multi-million dollar business leaders have with lawmakers and regulators. I have nothing against multi-million dollar corporations. I buy from them and benefit from their products and services every day. Big businesses, just like small and Indie ones, have no personality in and of themselves. They do nothing on their own. Their actions are dictated by the leaders who manage them. The problem is not big businesses. The problem is the people who lead them.

And it is these people, along with our representatives in Congress, who have created a framework that is broken and intolerable. It is up to us to rise up and do something about it.

How the Bailout Will Affect Future Indie Business Owners

I have come to the realization that, bad policy though it may be, this bailout is a done deal for one reason and one reason alone.

We simply have no choice in the matter.

The success of American business (both large, small and Indie) rests in large part on our global credibility, and the principle that hard, honest work is rewarded. That if you create a business that generates a profit by behaving ethically and providing valuable products and services, your tenacity and innovation will be recognized and celebrated. That is foundational to our economy.

The government's purchase of worthless financial related assets for years to come, with money it does not have shakes that foundation to its core, makes a mockery of desirable ethical business practices, and discourages average Americans from going to the trouble of taking on any business risk at all. Again, this is devastating in a world where business ownership is not an option. It is a necessity.

And yet, there are no other viable options to this bailout. The alternative of course is to let these big mortgage giants solve their own problems. That's a lousy option considering that the people who would be solving the problems have already proven themselves to be grossly irresponsible and greedy. On the other hand, a bailout proves that deregulation does not work, and that is already a huge problem for Indie Business owners.

Deregulation

Deregulation and lack of effective, honest regulatory oversight at all levels of the financial sector is a large part of the reason why financial institutions are failing. This is recognized by both the Republican and the Democratic party presidential candidates. (Chuck Baldwin, running on the Constitutional Party ticket, favors almost no regulation at all, a position with which I do not agree.)

So what does this mean? Well, the pendulum will probably swing back to -- you guessed it -- unnecessary and burdensome regulation. And more regulation hurts Indie Business owners the most. Even though we do not contribute to the problem, we will be saddled with the red tape, increased fees and overbearing bureaucracy.

This is already happening in the food and cosmetics arenas. The US Committee of Energy & Commerce is now considering new legislation that would force food and cosmetics manufacturers, regardless of size, to pay from $2,000 to $12,000 in annual registration fees and comply with a mountain of paperwork. The FDA Globalization Act of 2008 would put thousands of Indie Business owner in these sectors out of business, and prevent millions more from starting. Those wonderful organic handmade moisturizing soaps you buy? Gone. The tasty holiday cookies you get from your local market? Gone. This is but one example of how increased regulation will hurt all of us. (More on this draft law with a video and a Petition you can sign to oppose the law is here.

Indie Business owners want to do our part to bolster the American economy, and we are doing so by introducing innovative products and services, increasing competition across all sectors of the economy, ramping up American exports and keeping prices for products and services accessible to the vast majority of Americans. Bailing out fat cats is countering our best efforts in all of these areas, including our best efforts to make a contribution while also securing our futures and the futures of our children.

Future Generations

I believe that entrepreneurship is the next great civil and equal rights issue of our time.

We must work to create an environment where our children and their children can launch, own and manage businesses without fear of excessive government bureaucracy, or so little oversight that we find ourselves in a situation like this again.

The states can do a lot to support businesses where they are, but if the federal government does not create an overall framework that allows Indies to flourish, future generations are in big trouble.

The saddest part of the Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the unethical practices that gave rise to it, is not that my and your business are adversely affected, but that our children's opportunities to own profitable businesses are adversely affected. It's hard enough to start a business today, even with adequate capital and good credit. What will it be like for the next generation?

Will my children and theirs be saddled with fallout from this week's activities on Capitol Hill? It is inexcusable that the rush to "solve" this problem is going to give rise to another one. That is, that future generations, no matter how hard or smart they work to build a lasting business legacy, will see those legacies constantly at risk of being demolished at worst and undercut at best, by the very government that is duty-bound to protect, defend and support them.

What do you think?

Last week, I touched based with several Indies who are interested in joining me in Washington, DC shortly after the new president is inaugurated to make our position known where it counts: at the White House and on Capitol Hill. I have started the process of obtaining a permit to allow us to congregate in LaFayette Park across the street from the White House so our new president will know that we want to be a part of the political process, and so the media can have an opportunity to hear our stories.

If I get positive feedback in the comments section of this blog post, I will invest the time and my own personal resources to make this happen. What will you do? Join me? Tell your friends? I need to hear from you!

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Bail Your Own Self Out

The Economic Message of the Century: Bail Yourself Out

Yesterday, I posted an in depth analysis of how the Emergency (which really isn't an emergency) Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is affecting "real" small businesses. After yesterday's failed vote on the Act, and after listening to President Bush speak a few minutes ago, the post is even more relevant today. Together, the Act, the vote and the President's morning message point inevitably to one conclusion: you can and should bail yourself out.

Achievement

Neither you nor I can expect the federal government alone to protect and defend our economic interests. That's true now, and it was true a century ago. Each one of us must climb his own group of stairs, pause at the top and begin to fly under the power of our own economic potential. Here's why you are your own best bail out plan, and what you can do now to start soaring.

1. Don't Panic.

Wall Street is panicking. President Bush is panicking. Maybe even some of your friends and family members are panicking. Don't follow suit. If you have to retreat from the television pundits, debates and talking heads to keep your cool, then do that. Take a deep breath, call on your faith, assess your personal situation and potential and take reasoned, determined steps to move forward in your own life.

More than ever, this reasoned assessment must include starting a business of your own.

2. Start a Business Today. In a segment on this morning's CNN program, the reporter cited a statistic that, between 1974 and 2007, the average income for American males declined 12%. No self-respecting man, whether or not he has a family, can look at that statistic and risk that a traditional job will secure his future. You have to have a business of your own.

I don't care if you start by selling old books out of your attic on ebay, and make a $2 profit. You have to start somewhere. Look around you, there are tons of options. Farrah Gray started selling painted rocks to school friends when he was six years old. Today, he's a successful business man. And look at Oprah. You can create your own brand of success, and you don't have to sell rocks. And you don't have to become mega-wealthy like Oprah.

Why? Because you have technology. If you don't have access to the Internet in your home, then your neighbor does, or your local library does. And yes, you may just have to take the bus there after you get off work. Remember, you have to be your own bail out plan. No one is going to do it for you. Use technology to use social media of all kinds to connect with others. You'll be amazed at the business opportunities that will come you way.

Want more options? Go down the street and offer to mow someone's lawn. Run errands for busy executives. Get a retail sales certificate from your state, buy some bagged potato chips from a wholesaler and sell them to executives downtown. These particular options may not be realistic options for you, but that's no reason not to create some that are.

Think. Think about what is at your disposal. Think about friends and family members who will help and encourage you. And don't tell me you have no options. Farrah started with rocks and no matter where you live, you can always find some of those.

3. Train Your Children to Be Entrepreneurs.

Part of responsible parenting today includes training your children to be entrepreneurs. Of course, we must also teach them to do well in school, graduate, go to college and get a job. But that's only the beginning. They have to know what to do if they lose that job, that is, if they are lucky enough to have one. Make it so that, when your child loses a job, she can come home, open up her laptop, check her shopping cart and make a plan to expand her own empire.

Does your tween have a cell phone of her own? A computer? A text messaging device? Make it a condition of continued use that she pay for it herself. If that doesn't encourage her to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit, nothing will. Believe me, she'll be selling homemade lip balm in no time.

Encourage your teen children to offer babysitting services more frequently and explain to them that the money goes in savings or to pay down any family household debt if that's an area of challenge for your family. The family that grinds together binds together. Train your children to use their skills, talents and areas of expertise to serve others in exchange for a fair sum of money. And then train them to be frugal with every penny so that, even if the financial world is collapsing, the adverse effects on them are minimal.

I'm not talking about becoming a loose canon here, and jumping at the first multi-level marketing opportunity you can find. I'm talking about investing your time and energy in something that you own. I'm talking about a brand of your own.

Every American simply must make it a point to have a stream of income that he or she controls. And we must wean ourselves off of using OPM to make ends meet. That is the only way to avoid being at the mercy of an economy that is rapidly changing, and frankly, not changing in favor of the common American.

Regardless of whether the new Act passes, in its current form or in another form, the handwriting is on the wall. Don't panic. Start a business today. Teach your children to start businesses. This is the ultimate bail out plan, the one that you implement on your own terms. The one you control. The one you love. The one no one can take away from you.

What do you think?

I quit my very well paying job in a Fortune 500 company over a decade ago because working with large companies taught me that business ownership is the key to economic independence for all Americans. Thanks to technology, it's more accessible than ever. But you have to stop watching all the panic on CNN and everywhere else. We all know how bad it is. Turn the television off and start bailing. I did it and let me tell you, my journey has been anything but a piece of cake. If I can do it, so can you. So, are you ready? I've got my bucket and I'm right her with you. Let's roll up our sleeves and start bailing together!

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