Let's face it. Starting a new business is hard. A stagnating economy makes it even harder. Investors seek safe havens, banks hold back on small-business loans, and consumers spend less on products and services. Under these conditions, some might say starting a new business is idealistic. I disagree.
Entrepreneurship is necessarily optimistic. It is a deliberate act of creation in light of the real possibility of failure.Only through the entrepreneur's calculated risk-taking does anything get done differently or better. In that sense, the entrepreneur embodies the kind of American spirit that we need to get through our current crisis:
- belief in the power of an idea to improve peoples' lives
- confidence in oneself and one's team to make that idea a reality
- initiative to plan, execute, learn, and innovate
- humility to balance risk, return, and duty to coworkers and community
- tenacity in the face of challenge and uncertainty
Successful entrepreneurs and small business owners, I salute you. I aspire to put your virtues to work in my own enterprise and, in a small way, contribute to a clean & green American renewal.
This blog will be a case study in growing a small biz from the ground-up. It will document my adventures (and misadventures) in choosing an idea, doing market research, creating a unique value proposition, branding, incorporating, developing a website, forging partnerships, financing, and more.
Here's to breaking ground! Please subscribe to my blog and join the conversation.
