An Economic Stimulus Opportunity for You.
For several years now, elected officials are arguing, posturing and making a lot of noise about jobs and the economy. From what I’ve seen they are not actually doing much. And the things that do work they fight about.
We cannot count on elected officials or the federal government to help us. They are doing what they do for their own purposes and really don’t care about the regular folks – unless they need a good sound bite.
So, how do we stimulate the economy?
Like so much in America, we do it ourselves.
SBA statistics say that 65% of new jobs in America are created by small businesses. The SBA also says that 44% of the total jobs are in small businesses. (Trust me, I see the irony of using a federal government resource for the data.)
Let’s look at our history.
Traditionally, people worked in small businesses. That’s where the term “cottage industry” came from. People did things out of their homes, or cottages.
This tradition goes back so far that many of us take our family name from the family business or occupation. Common examples are: Smith, Baker, Gartner. Schumacher. Tailor, Miller, Shepard, Fisher, and many more. I’m sure that you just thought of a few also.
The industrial revolution was the first time truly large groups of people got together to work. (Except for a public works project or a war.) It was new and strange. People fought it. (The word sabotage comes from people throwing their wooden shoes, called sabots, into machinery to disable it. Today we remember the word based on that rebellion.)
Right now we have an amazing opportunity! The average personal computer plus access to the Internet gives us leverage to perform tasks that formerly took a large staff. (Imagine a room full of draftsmen, the typing pool, the marketing department, the mail room.)
Chance are good that you have one or more skills that you have been paid for in a company. By applying the advantage of technology you can very likely provide a service to people or businesses (which are really just collections of people, right.)
Let’s Create Your Future
Since the company you performed this service for made a profit on your work, there is every reason that with your knowledge, efficiency and low overhead – YOU can make a profit providing that service!
If you like the idea, but are not sure what you can do that people will pay for, get a notebook and start writing ideas.
Here are a few to get you started: Tutor, mechanic, editor, illustrator, personal assistant, bookkeeper, gardener, dog walker, handyman, painter, caretaker for homes stuck in foreclosure, selling things on-line for others, making websites… have fun!
How about this: Is there anything that you’ve noticed as a problem? Solve it! (Make the world better and get paid)
Anything that serves seniors. The Baby Boomers are starting to need help and most of the WWIIers already do.) This is a huge need! The Baby Boomers changed EVERYTHING they have touched, senior-hood will follow suit.
I believe that individuals providing a positive service for a fair price will be exactly how this country’s economy regains its strength. If you can get paid to help others get what they want, even better.
I also know for a fact that when you sell your service; collect and then deposit that first (and second, and fiftieth ) check in the bank you will see your personal economy improving and gaining strength. It will feel wonderful!
Start now. Pencil out that idea you’ve been kicking around. Take control of your piece of the world and make it great. Then share with others and help them see how. It really is our best opportunity for success.
If you have a job, you have a bridge to make the transition. Lucky you!
If you do not currently have a job, you have greater incentive and will see success sooner. Lucky you! (More about starting a business vs. getting a job.)
By the time our elected officials get around to doing anything, you will be comfortable and growing your business. Able to watch their circus with detachment knowing that you have your own destiny.
A note of self preservation: Be cautious who you share your plans with. Most people will tell you what you cannot do. Very few are true allies. (More about this topic here.)
If you would like to get feedback from someone, find a mentor who you can confide in and trust. (I would be happy to have an e-mail exchange with you pro bono. I’ve been helping people around the world with their ideas, especially this year, and I LOVE IT!)
I look forward to hearing from you to learn what sort of business you are working on. If you have questions or would like brainstorm, feel free to contact me.
This is David, Your Success Ally
Wishing you fun in creating your business. Create something to make the world better!