As I read the business headlines I recognize the current financial climate does not lend itself towards further growth and development for business ventures. History (which repeats itself) will however prove once again that the small business sector will save the day by creating the most jobs and revenue, more than can be expected from government bail outs, stimuli, and incentives. Don't get me wrong some of the programs were great, George and I have enough vehicles to bankrupt the cash for clunkers program, but not all affect the lifelong challenge of financial restructuring and redevelopment that desperately needs to occur. While turning a deaf ear to the media hype of our current financial woes is not necessarily the answer, perhaps looking at the thriving business sectors would be more encouraging. Globally we have all taken a financial hit, however this may be the perfect time for joint ventures.
It is said that the oldest profession in the Bible is prostitution, but that is inaccurate, it is farming, after all Adam and Eve had to eat something. Before the exchange of currency for goods and services, the barter system seemed to produce all of the wealth and security anyone ever needed. Somehow, once we began to exchange currency, the true value of our individual businesses and pride began to deteriorate. If we receive enough currency from one market segment, we neglect the others. We have somehow gotten to the point today, where we are reinventing the wheel. Example, the man who invented the round wheel created something everyone needed, but he was not without his needs. He needed a storefront shop, he needed display cases (okay perhaps the modern references don't apply, but humor me), and he needed food and shelter for his family. He gave four wheels to Jim the Farmer, Jim paid him in fresh veggies, grain & meat. He gave four to Joe the Carpenter, Joe built his shelves. He gave four to Julie the interior decorator, she designed his home. Soon his mills ran over with grain because he brought in more than he could consume and was able to cure world hunger. Do you see where this is going? You have something others need, but you need what others have as well. If the dollar were to drop bellow the value of a peso, what would you do to survive? We need to think this way also in business. How do we work without start up capital? Business cards cost money, I can't have them printed for free. Who says you can't? Have you ever asked the printer? Of course not, because we were previously limited in our thinking. Find the mom and pop printing shop that does great business but does not have the exposure they need. Offer them your service as well as advertising space on each business card and brochure if they will print it for you. Find the Joe the Farmer who needs tires and can help you feed your family. You may be able to reduce or eliminate some operating expenses or start up costs.
Certain times call for being a shark in the business world, and other times call for being a whale. While sharks are successful at what they do, everyone (including the shark) knows the whale is no competition. Gentle as they may be, both creatures in the sea and on land see them. It is time we stop focusing on the kill in business, and the next best business deal, and start focusing on the greatness our goods and services provide, who needs them, and how can we get what we want by offering what we have. Stop reading the headlines, and start making them with a new business structure, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) that will rock the entire business world.
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