TITLE	DESCRIPTION
The Success of Niche Businesses	It really doesn’t matter how bad the economy is for niche businesses many times.  If you find a need and no one else is filling it, you can make out like a bandit.
Will There Be Any New Start-Ups?	With all the fuss about the economy being unstable will anyone else have the courage to start their own business?  It's easy to see why folks would think twice about such a venture.  However, without a doubt, there will be a multitude of start-ups in the next couple of years.

For Our Members

TITLE	DESCRIPTION
You Need To Get All Your Ducks in a Row	I have a new reason for why new businesses fail.  They don’t do enough planning or homework before they start telling others about their brilliant 'idea.'
Is Your Money Controlling You?	The country is in a widespread financial crunch.  It’s very common during trying economic times for folks to decide the answer to their problems is to start a business.  That’s a bad idea.  It will open the door to the dilemma of who do I pay, my vendors or the grocery bill.
Big Guys Versus the Little Guys	Some people are just bound and determined to conclude that big businesses in any given market niche pose a dire threat to small business owners.  However, did you notice the news stories that covered the towns where the small business owners got together and kept Wal Mart from moving in?
Watch Out For Those Tips	Everyone is worried about the slow economy and the high prices that are driving us all nuts.  Nightly news spotlights keys to help with gas and where to eat out.  Advice on these issues is only wise if economically sound.
Work For Equity?	I just had a Linkedin member ask me to consult on a project in exchange for equity.  And, perhaps down the road, three to six months, they would have the money to pay me.  Ah, gee!  Well, no!
Be Realistic Starting Your Own Business	We have all seen the television commercials where someone is throwing off the shackles of working for someone else and launching his own.  Freedom to do your own thing is the theme.  And, of course, while you are it, come and buy our products.
What To Do When The Workload Gets Heavy?	I have heard several small business owners whine about a workload and claim they couldn't possibly market for new clients.  This would put them under pressure that couldn't handle.  You don't ever want to find yourself in the position of turning down work.  The only way to avoid it is to plan ahead.
Too Much Growth Can Be a Killer	Unplanned for growth can kill a business.  The Small Business Administration still swears most businesses fail in the first five years.  I am still swearing by the idea that this is usually a lack of planning.  The planning, more than likely, leaves out expansion.
The Next Generation	The Next Step to getting out of the 9-to-5 grind.  I chatted recently with a woman who was desperate to start her own shop.  She had a big hurdle to overcome first, her credit card debt.  Starting a business is hard enough without having to worry about paying off personal debt.
Some Money in Hand Better Than None?	There is an under-the-current problem with this question which most folks never understand and end up making wrong decisions their entire lives.  They ignore opportunity cost, which is simply putting your hours in this case to work on one job.
Cheap Isn't Always Cheap	Offering a cheap price for a service when starting out is fine.  Keep your pricing too low for too long and you will have your customer’s wondering why you are not in sync with the rest of the market.  Make sure you get some extra perks.
Those Crazy Clients	If you are running your own business, crazy clients will pop up in your life.  This is more oriented to those offering services.  Products sellers will have nutty customers from time to time, but the effect is not as potentially damaging.
Working a Job May be a Financial Trap	Most jobs are just what my eldest daughter described to me years ago when she was starting her own business and just quit her legal secretary job.  She said, "Mom, remember this.  The only thing any job is: JUST OVER BROKE."
The Next Step to Getting Out of the 9-to-5 Grind	Frustrated with your job and just want relief?  Launching your own shop is not the answer.  Contrary to all the promotional material about how you will be earning great gobs of money shortly if you work out of your home, nothing could be farther from the truth. Earning that kind of money takes time and a lot of hard work.
Are You Asking the Wrong Question?	Starting a business can be overwhelming. Those newly bricked roads twist and turn so much they some times get newbie business owners twisted in their thinking. Running out the starting gate is a rush and many get crushed in the shuffle.
Growing Your Business	There is a new prime time commercial about a furniture business that has great numbers.  The owners talk for a minute or two about what they are going to need to keep up with the demand. The conclusion was that Citi Group would help.