@ Andrea--That's definitely true. Several of the people I interviewed mentioned that, or mentioned that they started that way with hopes of tweaking when the economy's better.
@Bargain--Absolutely...when they have to come up with something, people pull the most amazing things out of their hats.
@Lucille--You know, I experienced that this weekend. Went shopping with a friend and our local mall (and it's been FOREVER since I've been there!), and it was swarming! People ARE still spending, they're just doing it differently.
@Green--I didn't forget the statistic--I left it out because that's not what my article is about ;) The odds are always stacked against entrepreneurs...my point is that a down economy isn't necessarily reason not to try your idea now. There are definitely things you can do to help your business succeed, too.
And the prospective job market if you fail is definitely reason to consider waiting...I guess my question is, does that outweigh the reasons to go for it? If it does, then wait. If it doesn't, then go for it.
Sarah:
I started my company because of the economic collapse. Green Retirement enables people to retire early, and with less savings, by living a green or frugal lifestyle.
You cite a statistic that 92% of entrepreneurs would have started their business anyway. You leave out a more important statistic, 95% of businesses fail within 5 years, and in this economy you can make it 99%.
However, not everyone loses when the economy goes kaput, some businesses will prosper. I have an article titled, "Economic Collapse Winners and Losers", that you may find interesting.
The thing to keep in mind is that if you start a business in a strong economy, invest your life savings and fail, you can always find a job. In this economy, if your business fails, you're...
The claims of consumers pulling back seems to be only half true. While people are looking much closer at their spending and cutting back. You could not have told that Sat. morning or Sunday at the local mall. Many of the retailers were running significant sales and it did get people into the stores.
Old Navy had half off of coats. When I walked by there was a good sized crowd of maybe 50 people waiting for them to open. I went to JcPenney both weekends for their early morning sales specifically to get deals on winter coats for the kids. By mid morning both weekends the store was absolutely packed. Finding the right way to market what you do based on the current situation seems to be key.
I think more people are also looking closer at the longevity of what they are buying for both green and financial reasons. That could be key in finding a way to do business.
Sometimes being forced out is the jump start (kick in the rear) that inspires people to make a much needed change. I know it's hard to give something up or quit a job but being fired makes the hard decision for you. Then once you get beyond the "fear factor" people often feel free to explore creative options they've been thinking about or start that business that they're friends and family are tired of hearing them talk about.
The emphasis of this type of diversity program is not to choose a certain type of person as an employee in order to be more diverse. One of the key elements of Barbara's business and why corporate clients engage her is that they have hired based on ability but are now having difficulty retaining this talent. The work she does helps retain talented workers, so that these employees can contribute to the corporation rather than leaving for more friendly workplaces or to start their own businesses.
I too live in Denver and have seen these signs and think to myself, "what a waste". I am referring to the signs/ads themselves.
Does this have any impact at all? We all "know" not to waste, just as we know not to smoke. As an aside, do those "truth.com" commercials really have any traction?
Advertising isn't cheap. Wouldn't the funds spent in these ads be better used where there is an immediate, measureable, tangible benefit? Oh, I don't know, like in relief to aid the citizens of Denver/Colorado. (And those anti-smoking ads, how about using that money to help those who do smoke to quit? Or at least something meaningful)
I look at it this way. The ads themselves give some an "oh that's interesting" moment and don't really help anyone. But if the funds were used in relief or to actually help, someone could eat, get critical medication, find help getting a job or (insert meaningful benefit here). The assistance given might not be as widespread as the message, but the help given is real and appreciated by those who need it.
As for "buying what you need", especially during the economic turmoil we are experiencing now, this seems disingenuous since many don't have the means to buy what they need. You can't waste what you don't have.
I was talking to a friend about this recently, and he said that companies are more likely to use independent contractors during an economic crisis, once they start laying off regular workers. So, starting a business that can serve intermittent business needs during an economic downturn might actually be the smartest move.
Like you I noticed how full of fat and sugar all the other recipes for breakfast cookies tend to be. I wanted something healthier for my finicky, non-breakfast loving kids. This is perfect! Thanks!
I don't think man will never be able to understand women. Women just have too many emotions, feelings, and other things going on that it would be hard to really understand them. As much as men wish that they could truly understand them, it is almost impossible.
"OK, this may be bordering on the grotesque, but the way it was explained to me by the writer is you hold two seashells like chopsticks, pull gently and scrape what’s left with the third. You asked for it…. Be careful what you ask for, sorry."
However, other explanations revolve around the shells being buttons of some kind:
Shell 1 activates a perfect vacuum seal between customer and "deposit box", and also activates the oh so gentle vacuum "coaxer" as I like to call it.
Shell 2 , upon completion of the evacuation cycle, dispenses, at a medium high, but not uncomfortable pressure, a finely perfumed shampoo/conditioner, to clean the area, and treat the hair involved, followed by a warm( 3 degrees above the sensed body temperature), gentle rinse.
Shell 3 then activates a gentle and again, slightly warm, dryer, not blowing directly at the orifice in question, but rather, creating a gentle swirling breeze you may associate with the old Candlestick Park in San Francisco, completing the dump cycle, and leaving the patron fresh and ready to face any defrosted cryogenic villian that may cross paths with said patron.
@Saraj: Thanks for the success story! That's exactly why I've always been unhappy with the practice of lumping things like the power bill into the category of "fixed" expenses--as if that meant that you didn't need to give them just as much attention as you give to all your other expenses.
Over the last year, I reduced my electricity balanced-paying bill from $128 to $98, and that's with two rate-hikes along the way.
I accomplished this by buying more efficient appliances, and won't even think about touching anything that isn't listed on energystar.gov (they have small appliances like telephones and air purifiers too). I also rebuilt my computer with more efficient components like the Western Digital disk drive that spins down when not active, power supplies with the 80Plus label (www.80plus.org), and especially by replacing overclocked gaming video cards with new power efficient cards from ATI (www.amd.com).
I also changed my habits, and bought switched power strips that stop standby power wastage.
It took about a year, but at the end my my balanced budget, I had 2 free electric bills, and a $10 rebate from my power company. I did all this to reduce my carbon footprint, but I should break even in late 2009, and the extra $30 in my pockets helps.
It's not that difficult finding buyers for hair at least 12" long or longer. There are various ways for the buyer to resell it for a profit.
If anyone is interested in any further information, please contact me.
Do you HAVE to have an antenna for the converter box to work????
I have 2 tv's that pick up no channels, one picked up a few channels, then I got cable and the cable guy did something to the antenna hook up outside and changed my tv settings with his remote (the remote for my tv is gone but I do have a universal I use), I canceled the cable cuz I can't afford it. Now I get no channels!! I am disabled and even though I've been told the an antenna is up there, I have no idea if it's hooked up or what. I've tried basic rabbit ears, and I have a fancier tv top antenna, but they don't help. I haven't hooked up my converter yet and I'm not sure which antenna to use, the basic rabbit ears have the little 'prongs' that get screwed onto the adapter for the cable hook-up on the back of the tv. If anyone can help me, please email me at dizeedee@yahoo.com
Just thought I'd point out that the prices quoted here for Bookswim are only for the first month. After that they jump up considerably: 3 books is 19.98, 5 books is 24.98, etc. At $20 a month I can buy a brand new hardcover once a month. I'll wait until the price of such a service comes down (and until they can also get fast mailing going on.)
For library proponents, it's worth noting that part of the reason to pay for a service is convenience. There's frugality, but then there's also putting value on your time. I could borrow the show I'm watching from the library. But the library doesn't deliver it, they won't let me drop it off at any mailbox in town, and they won't immediately hand me the next set of episodes when I hand them the ones I just watched. I'm paying Netflix $13 a month to do that for me, and I think it's well worth my time.
As a woman with very masculine tendencies, I can vouch for the accuracy of this information. I am married for thirty years to a man with very feminine tendencies, we are a formidable team in business and negotiations. They never know what hit them.
What we are witnessing is nothing unusual, it has happened before and will happen again. Every great democracy has a rise and fall. This is just how democracies close down, and all the technology and historic lessons will not help us at this point.
@ Andrea--That's definitely true. Several of the people I interviewed mentioned that, or mentioned that they started that way with hopes of tweaking when the economy's better.
@Bargain--Absolutely...when they have to come up with something, people pull the most amazing things out of their hats.
@Lucille--You know, I experienced that this weekend. Went shopping with a friend and our local mall (and it's been FOREVER since I've been there!), and it was swarming! People ARE still spending, they're just doing it differently.
@Green--I didn't forget the statistic--I left it out because that's not what my article is about ;) The odds are always stacked against entrepreneurs...my point is that a down economy isn't necessarily reason not to try your idea now. There are definitely things you can do to help your business succeed, too.
And the prospective job market if you fail is definitely reason to consider waiting...I guess my question is, does that outweigh the reasons to go for it? If it does, then wait. If it doesn't, then go for it.
Sarah:
I started my company because of the economic collapse. Green Retirement enables people to retire early, and with less savings, by living a green or frugal lifestyle.
You cite a statistic that 92% of entrepreneurs would have started their business anyway. You leave out a more important statistic, 95% of businesses fail within 5 years, and in this economy you can make it 99%.
However, not everyone loses when the economy goes kaput, some businesses will prosper. I have an article titled, "Economic Collapse Winners and Losers", that you may find interesting.
The thing to keep in mind is that if you start a business in a strong economy, invest your life savings and fail, you can always find a job. In this economy, if your business fails, you're...
The claims of consumers pulling back seems to be only half true. While people are looking much closer at their spending and cutting back. You could not have told that Sat. morning or Sunday at the local mall. Many of the retailers were running significant sales and it did get people into the stores.
Old Navy had half off of coats. When I walked by there was a good sized crowd of maybe 50 people waiting for them to open. I went to JcPenney both weekends for their early morning sales specifically to get deals on winter coats for the kids. By mid morning both weekends the store was absolutely packed. Finding the right way to market what you do based on the current situation seems to be key.
I think more people are also looking closer at the longevity of what they are buying for both green and financial reasons. That could be key in finding a way to do business.
Sometimes being forced out is the jump start (kick in the rear) that inspires people to make a much needed change. I know it's hard to give something up or quit a job but being fired makes the hard decision for you. Then once you get beyond the "fear factor" people often feel free to explore creative options they've been thinking about or start that business that they're friends and family are tired of hearing them talk about.
The emphasis of this type of diversity program is not to choose a certain type of person as an employee in order to be more diverse. One of the key elements of Barbara's business and why corporate clients engage her is that they have hired based on ability but are now having difficulty retaining this talent. The work she does helps retain talented workers, so that these employees can contribute to the corporation rather than leaving for more friendly workplaces or to start their own businesses.
From her article on what types of programs work:
"Ideally, we shouldn’t be striving to have great diversity programs but to do away with the barriers that create a need for them."
I too live in Denver and have seen these signs and think to myself, "what a waste". I am referring to the signs/ads themselves.
Does this have any impact at all? We all "know" not to waste, just as we know not to smoke. As an aside, do those "truth.com" commercials really have any traction?
Advertising isn't cheap. Wouldn't the funds spent in these ads be better used where there is an immediate, measureable, tangible benefit? Oh, I don't know, like in relief to aid the citizens of Denver/Colorado. (And those anti-smoking ads, how about using that money to help those who do smoke to quit? Or at least something meaningful)
I look at it this way. The ads themselves give some an "oh that's interesting" moment and don't really help anyone. But if the funds were used in relief or to actually help, someone could eat, get critical medication, find help getting a job or (insert meaningful benefit here). The assistance given might not be as widespread as the message, but the help given is real and appreciated by those who need it.
As for "buying what you need", especially during the economic turmoil we are experiencing now, this seems disingenuous since many don't have the means to buy what they need. You can't waste what you don't have.
I was talking to a friend about this recently, and he said that companies are more likely to use independent contractors during an economic crisis, once they start laying off regular workers. So, starting a business that can serve intermittent business needs during an economic downturn might actually be the smartest move.
Like you I noticed how full of fat and sugar all the other recipes for breakfast cookies tend to be. I wanted something healthier for my finicky, non-breakfast loving kids. This is perfect! Thanks!
I've worked with them, too!
Linsey
I don't think man will never be able to understand women. Women just have too many emotions, feelings, and other things going on that it would be hard to really understand them. As much as men wish that they could truly understand them, it is almost impossible.
I always save extra napkins, condiments, and plastic utensils. I can use those at home. I also save the plastic bags to use as trash bags.
"OK, this may be bordering on the grotesque, but the way it was explained to me by the writer is you hold two seashells like chopsticks, pull gently and scrape what’s left with the third. You asked for it…. Be careful what you ask for, sorry."
However, other explanations revolve around the shells being buttons of some kind:
Shell 1 activates a perfect vacuum seal between customer and "deposit box", and also activates the oh so gentle vacuum "coaxer" as I like to call it.
Shell 2 , upon completion of the evacuation cycle, dispenses, at a medium high, but not uncomfortable pressure, a finely perfumed shampoo/conditioner, to clean the area, and treat the hair involved, followed by a warm( 3 degrees above the sensed body temperature), gentle rinse.
Shell 3 then activates a gentle and again, slightly warm, dryer, not blowing directly at the orifice in question, but rather, creating a gentle swirling breeze you may associate with the old Candlestick Park in San Francisco, completing the dump cycle, and leaving the patron fresh and ready to face any defrosted cryogenic villian that may cross paths with said patron.
It's a myth that diversity helps business. Just hire the best, whoever they be.
I have been working Bestmark Mystery Shopping Company and it has been fun. Though some of the assignments have been product demos. Cool.
Wow! How on earth did I mess that!?! I'll be adding a mention to my post, Jessi. Thanks for the info!
Linsey Knerl
@Saraj: Thanks for the success story! That's exactly why I've always been unhappy with the practice of lumping things like the power bill into the category of "fixed" expenses--as if that meant that you didn't need to give them just as much attention as you give to all your other expenses.
Over the last year, I reduced my electricity balanced-paying bill from $128 to $98, and that's with two rate-hikes along the way.
I accomplished this by buying more efficient appliances, and won't even think about touching anything that isn't listed on energystar.gov (they have small appliances like telephones and air purifiers too). I also rebuilt my computer with more efficient components like the Western Digital disk drive that spins down when not active, power supplies with the 80Plus label (www.80plus.org), and especially by replacing overclocked gaming video cards with new power efficient cards from ATI (www.amd.com).
I also changed my habits, and bought switched power strips that stop standby power wastage.
It took about a year, but at the end my my balanced budget, I had 2 free electric bills, and a $10 rebate from my power company. I did all this to reduce my carbon footprint, but I should break even in late 2009, and the extra $30 in my pockets helps.
It's not that difficult finding buyers for hair at least 12" long or longer. There are various ways for the buyer to resell it for a profit.
If anyone is interested in any further information, please contact me.
Do you HAVE to have an antenna for the converter box to work????
I have 2 tv's that pick up no channels, one picked up a few channels, then I got cable and the cable guy did something to the antenna hook up outside and changed my tv settings with his remote (the remote for my tv is gone but I do have a universal I use), I canceled the cable cuz I can't afford it. Now I get no channels!! I am disabled and even though I've been told the an antenna is up there, I have no idea if it's hooked up or what. I've tried basic rabbit ears, and I have a fancier tv top antenna, but they don't help. I haven't hooked up my converter yet and I'm not sure which antenna to use, the basic rabbit ears have the little 'prongs' that get screwed onto the adapter for the cable hook-up on the back of the tv. If anyone can help me, please email me at dizeedee@yahoo.com
Just thought I'd point out that the prices quoted here for Bookswim are only for the first month. After that they jump up considerably: 3 books is 19.98, 5 books is 24.98, etc. At $20 a month I can buy a brand new hardcover once a month. I'll wait until the price of such a service comes down (and until they can also get fast mailing going on.)
For library proponents, it's worth noting that part of the reason to pay for a service is convenience. There's frugality, but then there's also putting value on your time. I could borrow the show I'm watching from the library. But the library doesn't deliver it, they won't let me drop it off at any mailbox in town, and they won't immediately hand me the next set of episodes when I hand them the ones I just watched. I'm paying Netflix $13 a month to do that for me, and I think it's well worth my time.
As a woman with very masculine tendencies, I can vouch for the accuracy of this information. I am married for thirty years to a man with very feminine tendencies, we are a formidable team in business and negotiations. They never know what hit them.
What we are witnessing is nothing unusual, it has happened before and will happen again. Every great democracy has a rise and fall. This is just how democracies close down, and all the technology and historic lessons will not help us at this point.
``The country is facing a crisis in capitalism"
or better yet, "The World"
i enjoyed your list, do you know of any way of making a braided rug from used jeans?
Im an Iinformation Technology student.. and im will be graduating next year 2009...
can anyone of you guys help me to make a Good Resume, just a tip or an example, for me to me to do..
thanks..
i want to watch the end of that vid SOOOO badly, but i cant even bring myself to pause it and skip to the end to just catch a glimpse! what are they?
and yah, i want to play gears of war so badly, but my xbox gave it the perfect circle scratch...
tried 5 different kinds of toothpaste, all with atleast 2 or 3 different methods, brasso, banana, commercial scratch remover, NOTHING works...