Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Marketing is an on-going concern. Getting the word out about your products and services takes thought and action.
Keeping up with what's going on in the marketplace is a vital part of running your small business. In today's fast-paced world, it ain't easy.
The answer is simple. Always give the market what it wants. Your clients and customers usually give you clues. It's up to you to figure out how to apply the clues to your business.
Example: Anna inherited her mother's consignment shop. It had been established for many years. It was filled with vintage collectibles, games and toys, jewelry and small antiques--no clothing. Anna decided to listen to today's marketplace. She expanded by offering items on eBay and Etsy. She turned a local destination consignment shop into a healthier business. Consignments still come in, but sales are to a much wider area. She is reaching out to a much bigger market.
Example: Damien paints large canvases and has had some success in exhibitions that attracted buyers. But the buyers were few and far between--not enough to support his family. At an upscale show, Damien overheard someone say that there were no small, less expensive paintings that they could buy as gifts. He listened to that marketplace input and started producing small, inexpensive paintings that sold well. Today, he is taking that same two-pronged approach to marketing his works. Eventually, he thinks that he might close out the smaller paintings in favor of concentrating on his larger paintings. In the meantime, he is supporting his family.
Example: Josh is a chiropractor. To increase his client base, he moved his office several miles away--to a major truck stop. His current clients had no trouble continuing to visit him. But the move offered marketing opportunities not previously available to him. Truck drivers have many physical problems, and Josh is conveniently located to serve them. A simple move to a new location brought in many new clients.
Many ways to expand your reach into new markets are available to you. Check out internet possibilities, or address a different market segment, or move to a location that attracts new clients.
Other possibilities exist. Try convening events, demonstrations, teaching sessions, partnering with other non-competing businesses. Different strokes for different folks.
Just keep in mind that the marketplace is always changing. Watch it and act accordingly.
You have the drive and creativity. Put it to work in keeping abreast of the changing marketplace.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Acronym frontiers
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Nutritionists, therapists, salons, spas and others can spruce up their marketing with acronyms. Acronyms today have become spiffy and smart marketing tools.
Among other things, Washington DC is known as alphabet city. Everyone knows the drill. We recognize and accept them by their acronyms--IRS, FBI, FHA, DHS, and there are dozens more.
Some years ago, acronyms invaded health care. Today people are alerted to new concerns by the letters RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), CDE (Chronic Dry Eye), and OAB (Over Active Bladder). There are many more, and they serve to lift certain conditions to a new level of concern.
There might be some marketing opportunities for small businesses in the rage to create new awareness for products and services. Therapists, nutritionists, salon and spa specialists suddenly have a new toolbox with which to promote their businesses.
Example: Nutritionists can attract new clients by applying acronyms to the conditions they tackle. People are more likely to hire a nutritionist to help them overcome STM than admit they have Sweet Tooth Madness. And they will consult a nutritionist to help with OES much more quickly than they will mouth the words Over Eating Syndrome. Then there is BSC or Bulging Stomach Condition.
Example: Therapists can offer treatments for WPD rather than insisting that clients call for an appointment to overcome a Will Power Deficit. FOB can bring some calls from the timid, but everyone will be loathe to admit to Fear Of Bullies. Further, therapists might partner with nutritionists to hold group sessions on ICA or Ice Cream Addiction.
Example: Salons and spas already attract attention with many treatments. But if clients could say they have CCS rather than Creeping Cellulite Syndrome, they more likely would sign up for sessions. How about FWG as a special concern, instead of admitting to Fine Wrinkles Galore? Or, how about calling for an appointment to work on LSE as a condition to be vigorously treated, instead of walking in the door with Liver Spots Everywhere?
To keep ahead of the marketing game, small businesses must keep abreast of the changing ways of the culture. People don't like to call things what they are anymore. They want relief from reality.
Changing the meanings of words is quite common today. We see it in every segment of our society. Just look at how global warming morphed into climate change.
If the words and phrases used to describe your products and services have become hackneyed and old fashioned and otherwise out of date, consider the acronym. You can hide almost anything behind three little letters--appealing to a wider market in the process.
A lot of the foregoing is tongue in cheek. But there are some serious realities lurking here and there. See to your marketing.
to help you better manage your small business.
Nutritionists, therapists, salons, spas and others can spruce up their marketing with acronyms. Acronyms today have become spiffy and smart marketing tools.
Among other things, Washington DC is known as alphabet city. Everyone knows the drill. We recognize and accept them by their acronyms--IRS, FBI, FHA, DHS, and there are dozens more.
Some years ago, acronyms invaded health care. Today people are alerted to new concerns by the letters RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome), CDE (Chronic Dry Eye), and OAB (Over Active Bladder). There are many more, and they serve to lift certain conditions to a new level of concern.
There might be some marketing opportunities for small businesses in the rage to create new awareness for products and services. Therapists, nutritionists, salon and spa specialists suddenly have a new toolbox with which to promote their businesses.
Example: Nutritionists can attract new clients by applying acronyms to the conditions they tackle. People are more likely to hire a nutritionist to help them overcome STM than admit they have Sweet Tooth Madness. And they will consult a nutritionist to help with OES much more quickly than they will mouth the words Over Eating Syndrome. Then there is BSC or Bulging Stomach Condition.
Example: Therapists can offer treatments for WPD rather than insisting that clients call for an appointment to overcome a Will Power Deficit. FOB can bring some calls from the timid, but everyone will be loathe to admit to Fear Of Bullies. Further, therapists might partner with nutritionists to hold group sessions on ICA or Ice Cream Addiction.
Example: Salons and spas already attract attention with many treatments. But if clients could say they have CCS rather than Creeping Cellulite Syndrome, they more likely would sign up for sessions. How about FWG as a special concern, instead of admitting to Fine Wrinkles Galore? Or, how about calling for an appointment to work on LSE as a condition to be vigorously treated, instead of walking in the door with Liver Spots Everywhere?
To keep ahead of the marketing game, small businesses must keep abreast of the changing ways of the culture. People don't like to call things what they are anymore. They want relief from reality.
Changing the meanings of words is quite common today. We see it in every segment of our society. Just look at how global warming morphed into climate change.
If the words and phrases used to describe your products and services have become hackneyed and old fashioned and otherwise out of date, consider the acronym. You can hide almost anything behind three little letters--appealing to a wider market in the process.
A lot of the foregoing is tongue in cheek. But there are some serious realities lurking here and there. See to your marketing.
Monday, July 20, 2015
The marketplace & you
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Marketing your products and services has a lot to do with demographics. Who buys what you have to offer?
People with pains in their necks seek a chiropractor. People who need help maintaining their yards look for landscapers. People who want to make sure they will have enough money to retire talk with a financial adviser. And those with computer problems call an expert.
The market out there divides itself into groups. With demographics, you look for age groupings, income groupings, needs groupings, and other groups.
Example: Anne was a fiber artist. She specialized in making dolls, and her dolls found a ready market--many years ago. She was creative and a workaholic, and her dolls were unique. She could not seem to make enough dolls to satisfy the market. Gradually, however, that market demand lessened. She was selling fewer and fewer dolls. Instead, buyers wanted handmade accessories. Since she was a fiber artist, Anne began offering scarves, pins, handbags to serve the new market.
No matter the market you serve, rest assured that it is changing. You must be alert to new fads and fashions.
Example: JoLin got certified as an acupuncturist. She opened an office where she met clients, and she built the business gradually. She noticed, however, that people were stressed in their work, their lives at home and in the community, and in their other activities. She arranged for a bigger space and opened a community acupuncture room. There, people could walk in, lie down in a quiet, darkened room, get 20 minutes to rest along with a sampling of acupuncture. It proved popular. JoLin also noticed the increasing interest by mainstream physicians in the benefits of acupuncture for certain patients. She gave a talk and demonstration on a patient with post-operative pain at a local medical center. It helped to promote and extend her business into a new area of interest.
The changing marketplace can and does affect you. No matter the business, the marketplace rules. Stay on top of it.
Example: Fred runs an appliance store serving the market for stoves, refrigerators, and other appliances. People came to buy items from him, and then they needed installation in many cases. He recommended electricians and plumbers to them. Then he decided to add electrical and plumbing supplies to the items he offered in the store. Today, electricians and plumbers are also customers, and they frequently recommend new buyers to Fred.
You can extend and grow your business by being alert to the marketplace. Be assured that it is always moving.
A good place to watch the marketplace change is by watching television and social media. New products and services pop up all the time. These are good starting points for you to think about how your business is being affected.
to help you better manage your small business.
Marketing your products and services has a lot to do with demographics. Who buys what you have to offer?
People with pains in their necks seek a chiropractor. People who need help maintaining their yards look for landscapers. People who want to make sure they will have enough money to retire talk with a financial adviser. And those with computer problems call an expert.
The market out there divides itself into groups. With demographics, you look for age groupings, income groupings, needs groupings, and other groups.
Example: Anne was a fiber artist. She specialized in making dolls, and her dolls found a ready market--many years ago. She was creative and a workaholic, and her dolls were unique. She could not seem to make enough dolls to satisfy the market. Gradually, however, that market demand lessened. She was selling fewer and fewer dolls. Instead, buyers wanted handmade accessories. Since she was a fiber artist, Anne began offering scarves, pins, handbags to serve the new market.
No matter the market you serve, rest assured that it is changing. You must be alert to new fads and fashions.
Example: JoLin got certified as an acupuncturist. She opened an office where she met clients, and she built the business gradually. She noticed, however, that people were stressed in their work, their lives at home and in the community, and in their other activities. She arranged for a bigger space and opened a community acupuncture room. There, people could walk in, lie down in a quiet, darkened room, get 20 minutes to rest along with a sampling of acupuncture. It proved popular. JoLin also noticed the increasing interest by mainstream physicians in the benefits of acupuncture for certain patients. She gave a talk and demonstration on a patient with post-operative pain at a local medical center. It helped to promote and extend her business into a new area of interest.
The changing marketplace can and does affect you. No matter the business, the marketplace rules. Stay on top of it.
Example: Fred runs an appliance store serving the market for stoves, refrigerators, and other appliances. People came to buy items from him, and then they needed installation in many cases. He recommended electricians and plumbers to them. Then he decided to add electrical and plumbing supplies to the items he offered in the store. Today, electricians and plumbers are also customers, and they frequently recommend new buyers to Fred.
You can extend and grow your business by being alert to the marketplace. Be assured that it is always moving.
A good place to watch the marketplace change is by watching television and social media. New products and services pop up all the time. These are good starting points for you to think about how your business is being affected.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Starting a business
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
A lady once came to my office looking for advice on "getting into business" and she was confused. She had some ideas, but she was getting advice that was all over the place.
All her friends had advised her on what business to get into. Her accountant advised that she should wait for a better economy. Her lawyer advised several different ways to establish an operation. Family members had all sorts of ideas for the type of business she should pursue.
Turning all the advice over in her mind, she was stymied. It seemed that her own ideas got lost in the shuffle.
To cut to the chase, I asked "What are your interests?" That was when I saw her eyes light up. It turned out that she had a hobby doing pottery. She had a small workshop in her garage where she turned out pots and experimented with glazes. Something was always in her kiln, and she rushed home every day to her workshop.
This short conversation marked the launch of her small business. Suddenly she saw a pottery-making business in her future. And she went on to concentrate on what she loved doing--and turning it into a business.
All the advice she had previously received fell into place. All the reasons not to proceed became irrelevant. All the pitfalls lying in wait disappeared. She was now focused.
Some business ideas bring other considerations to the table. Lack of space, lack of experience, lack of funding, lack of confidence, lack of a market out there awaiting you.
But it has been my experience that just about any idea or interest can be turned into a viable business. You might not grow to the size of Apple or General Motors or BankAmerica, but you can structure a small business around any idea.
Products and services are in constant demand by the vast marketplace that surrounds us. Consider fitness, catering, landscaping, foods, therapies, collectibles, clothing, consulting--the list is endless.
If you are interested in something--anything--then others are interested as well. They represent your market. The need for products and services is out there. Your job as a small business owner is to find your market--doing the thing you love to do.
The lady who built a business making pottery has been very successful. Her special glazes have tapped into a market that continues to grow. Her pots and other pottery today sell for big bucks. It took several years, but during all that time, she loved what she was doing.
Always consider the advice you get. But weigh it against your own interests and the marketplace. If you don't sell anything, you're pursuing a hobby--which can provide enjoyment. But if you pursue your hobby with an eye to the marketplace, you're on your way to establishing your business--and this provides enjoyment as well.
Matching your interests to the marketplace forms the basis for a business. It's a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.
to help you better manage your small business.
A lady once came to my office looking for advice on "getting into business" and she was confused. She had some ideas, but she was getting advice that was all over the place.
All her friends had advised her on what business to get into. Her accountant advised that she should wait for a better economy. Her lawyer advised several different ways to establish an operation. Family members had all sorts of ideas for the type of business she should pursue.
Turning all the advice over in her mind, she was stymied. It seemed that her own ideas got lost in the shuffle.
To cut to the chase, I asked "What are your interests?" That was when I saw her eyes light up. It turned out that she had a hobby doing pottery. She had a small workshop in her garage where she turned out pots and experimented with glazes. Something was always in her kiln, and she rushed home every day to her workshop.
This short conversation marked the launch of her small business. Suddenly she saw a pottery-making business in her future. And she went on to concentrate on what she loved doing--and turning it into a business.
All the advice she had previously received fell into place. All the reasons not to proceed became irrelevant. All the pitfalls lying in wait disappeared. She was now focused.
Some business ideas bring other considerations to the table. Lack of space, lack of experience, lack of funding, lack of confidence, lack of a market out there awaiting you.
But it has been my experience that just about any idea or interest can be turned into a viable business. You might not grow to the size of Apple or General Motors or BankAmerica, but you can structure a small business around any idea.
Products and services are in constant demand by the vast marketplace that surrounds us. Consider fitness, catering, landscaping, foods, therapies, collectibles, clothing, consulting--the list is endless.
If you are interested in something--anything--then others are interested as well. They represent your market. The need for products and services is out there. Your job as a small business owner is to find your market--doing the thing you love to do.
The lady who built a business making pottery has been very successful. Her special glazes have tapped into a market that continues to grow. Her pots and other pottery today sell for big bucks. It took several years, but during all that time, she loved what she was doing.
Always consider the advice you get. But weigh it against your own interests and the marketplace. If you don't sell anything, you're pursuing a hobby--which can provide enjoyment. But if you pursue your hobby with an eye to the marketplace, you're on your way to establishing your business--and this provides enjoyment as well.
Matching your interests to the marketplace forms the basis for a business. It's a double-edged sword that cuts both ways.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Sales shadows.
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Sales shadows are annoying. Everyone has visited a store to browse the racks of stuff. It is frustrating when a clerk appears and follows us around. They frequently ask if they can be of help.
Sales shadows have long been a problem. But today, sales shadowing is entering a new era on the net.
Social media sites capture all sorts of information about us. They think that they can anticipate our future buying habits. And, no doubt, it is true to some extent.
If you buy a handbag and shoes today, it's likely that you will be buying more soon. Social media has tapped into your habits and interests.
But it's more than that. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, ads pop up for handbags and shoes on unrelated sites you visit. Sales shadows are following you around.
Example: Eleanor built her website, deciding to make it simple. She offered her collectibles there, as well as on eBay and Etsy. Using social media, she attracted a good deal of attention for her offerings. When net advertisers showed up wanting her to carry their ads, she declined. She also passed up opportunities to accept associate ads, reasoning that visitors did not want to be bothered. This meant that she did not get any revenue from the associate ads, but it was a small price to pay.
Example: Kevin runs a large hardware store. He hires employees who are experienced and knowledgeable. He trains new employees to always be generous with help for shoppers, but never to follow them around the store. His customers appreciate the help, and they also appreciate not being bothered.
Sales shadows are not good for business. Whether you operate a store or offer stuff on the web, beware of sales shadows.
Yesterday's automobile salesman got a bad reputation--deservedly so. They followed you around and used all sorts of pressure techniques to make the sale. Sales shadows in social media need to join them on the trash heap of history.
to help you better manage your small business.
Sales shadows are annoying. Everyone has visited a store to browse the racks of stuff. It is frustrating when a clerk appears and follows us around. They frequently ask if they can be of help.
Sales shadows have long been a problem. But today, sales shadowing is entering a new era on the net.
Social media sites capture all sorts of information about us. They think that they can anticipate our future buying habits. And, no doubt, it is true to some extent.
If you buy a handbag and shoes today, it's likely that you will be buying more soon. Social media has tapped into your habits and interests.
But it's more than that. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, ads pop up for handbags and shoes on unrelated sites you visit. Sales shadows are following you around.
Example: Eleanor built her website, deciding to make it simple. She offered her collectibles there, as well as on eBay and Etsy. Using social media, she attracted a good deal of attention for her offerings. When net advertisers showed up wanting her to carry their ads, she declined. She also passed up opportunities to accept associate ads, reasoning that visitors did not want to be bothered. This meant that she did not get any revenue from the associate ads, but it was a small price to pay.
Example: Kevin runs a large hardware store. He hires employees who are experienced and knowledgeable. He trains new employees to always be generous with help for shoppers, but never to follow them around the store. His customers appreciate the help, and they also appreciate not being bothered.
Sales shadows are not good for business. Whether you operate a store or offer stuff on the web, beware of sales shadows.
Yesterday's automobile salesman got a bad reputation--deservedly so. They followed you around and used all sorts of pressure techniques to make the sale. Sales shadows in social media need to join them on the trash heap of history.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Disaster plans
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Fires, floods, burglaries can happen. The electric can go down for a week. A key employee can fall down stairs at home and be laid up for a month. Or your own health can become a problem.
Running your own small business means that you are your own backup. This means you must have plans ready to implement when disasters strike.
Example: Jim runs a small computing services firm with 3 employees. His firm monitors in real time the operating systems of larger firms that are his clients. Jim's firm can electronically repair computing problems remotely. One morning, the husband of a key employee called to say that his wife had fallen and broken her back. She would be laid up for several weeks. Now, with only two employees, Jim had to scramble to cover the work she had been performing. Today, she's back at work, and Jim is busily cross-training everyone to be able to handle each other's jobs.
Example: Amy is a chiropractor. She built up her clientele to the point that she needed additional space. When she went looking for larger quarters, she was careful on two fronts. Some of her clients were unable to use stairs, so that was a prime consideration. Additionally, sometimes the river flooded out into the town. Amy found suitable space accessible by a ramp in a building that was several feet above ground level. Amy's careful planning paid off. When the river did indeed flood, her place was high and dry.
Example: Ella runs a small graphic arts firm. The business was going well when suddenly the landlord informed her that she had 60 days to vacate the premises. The lease gave the landlord that option, but Ella had negotiated a clause to protect herself. In the event the landlord wanted her to vacate, Ella would receive a buyout amount of money. Since she had two years remaining on the lease, she received a substantial payout. She used the money to move and buy new equipment. The disruption was significant, but Ella turned disaster into a positive growth option.
Thinking ahead can help you sleep better at night. Planning for the unthinkable can help you and your small business sail through the disasters that come your way. Now, what do you do when the electric goes down for a week?
Fire and flood, even key employees, can be covered by insurance. But your best insurance can be in your planning ahead for any eventuality.
to help you better manage your small business.
Fires, floods, burglaries can happen. The electric can go down for a week. A key employee can fall down stairs at home and be laid up for a month. Or your own health can become a problem.
Running your own small business means that you are your own backup. This means you must have plans ready to implement when disasters strike.
Example: Jim runs a small computing services firm with 3 employees. His firm monitors in real time the operating systems of larger firms that are his clients. Jim's firm can electronically repair computing problems remotely. One morning, the husband of a key employee called to say that his wife had fallen and broken her back. She would be laid up for several weeks. Now, with only two employees, Jim had to scramble to cover the work she had been performing. Today, she's back at work, and Jim is busily cross-training everyone to be able to handle each other's jobs.
Example: Amy is a chiropractor. She built up her clientele to the point that she needed additional space. When she went looking for larger quarters, she was careful on two fronts. Some of her clients were unable to use stairs, so that was a prime consideration. Additionally, sometimes the river flooded out into the town. Amy found suitable space accessible by a ramp in a building that was several feet above ground level. Amy's careful planning paid off. When the river did indeed flood, her place was high and dry.
Example: Ella runs a small graphic arts firm. The business was going well when suddenly the landlord informed her that she had 60 days to vacate the premises. The lease gave the landlord that option, but Ella had negotiated a clause to protect herself. In the event the landlord wanted her to vacate, Ella would receive a buyout amount of money. Since she had two years remaining on the lease, she received a substantial payout. She used the money to move and buy new equipment. The disruption was significant, but Ella turned disaster into a positive growth option.
Thinking ahead can help you sleep better at night. Planning for the unthinkable can help you and your small business sail through the disasters that come your way. Now, what do you do when the electric goes down for a week?
Fire and flood, even key employees, can be covered by insurance. But your best insurance can be in your planning ahead for any eventuality.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Small Business Careers
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Going to college is a constant mantra today. Young people are bombarded with talk about the value of getting that college degree.
The facts sing a different tune. Perhaps the best example is that of Bill Gates. He quit college to start Microsoft.
High flyers aside, more and more young people are discovering that college might be a waste of their time. Look around and you'll find people who did not go to college and yet they are successful. Others signed up for the college of their choice, only later leaving in disgust.
Example: Alisha loved makeup. At an early age, she borrowed her mother's makeup and applied it to her dolls. Then she discovered hair and hair styling. She badgered everyone to let her do their hair. Then she left regular high school to attend a trade school program. Combining her creativity with what she learned, she opened her own salon after she graduated. Today, Alisha operates her own high end salon and attracts clients from far and near. She is supporting her growing family and teaching them that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Example: Tom had an interest in growing plants. While still in high school, he worked as an apprentice at an organic farm. The owner of the farm and a teacher encouraged Tom to pursue farming. When he graduated from high school, he rented five acres of farmland from a retired farmer. There, Tom began growing organic herbs and vegetables. He sells the produce to chefs who specialize in farm-to-table menus. He is putting up a greenhouse to expand, and he is experimenting with hydroponic farming. His plans include renting a barn to grow mushrooms.
The most important thing we learn as youngsters is how to think. Many young people learn this from a parent, from a teacher, from early work experience. Going to college can put a finishing touch on this, but the basics are already there by the time you matriculate.
Careers in business are built on interest and hard work. Part of that hard work is learning how to think. You see a problem, you wrestle with it, you figure out how to solve it, and then you're on your way.
Trade schools provide real opportunities for young people to connect with their innate interests and turn those interests into lifelong careers. Think electricians, plumbers, welders, auto repair technicians, beauticians, chefs, and more.
Preparing young people for careers can take a multitude of paths. College represents only one path. Careers in small business are another. Too often, teaching the value of small business is being neglected.
The losers in life's casino are those who become so enamored of going to college that they go to college for many years, piling on degrees, while trying to find themselves. Many reach middle age--still looking.
to help you better manage your small business.
Going to college is a constant mantra today. Young people are bombarded with talk about the value of getting that college degree.
The facts sing a different tune. Perhaps the best example is that of Bill Gates. He quit college to start Microsoft.
High flyers aside, more and more young people are discovering that college might be a waste of their time. Look around and you'll find people who did not go to college and yet they are successful. Others signed up for the college of their choice, only later leaving in disgust.
Example: Alisha loved makeup. At an early age, she borrowed her mother's makeup and applied it to her dolls. Then she discovered hair and hair styling. She badgered everyone to let her do their hair. Then she left regular high school to attend a trade school program. Combining her creativity with what she learned, she opened her own salon after she graduated. Today, Alisha operates her own high end salon and attracts clients from far and near. She is supporting her growing family and teaching them that they, too, can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Example: Tom had an interest in growing plants. While still in high school, he worked as an apprentice at an organic farm. The owner of the farm and a teacher encouraged Tom to pursue farming. When he graduated from high school, he rented five acres of farmland from a retired farmer. There, Tom began growing organic herbs and vegetables. He sells the produce to chefs who specialize in farm-to-table menus. He is putting up a greenhouse to expand, and he is experimenting with hydroponic farming. His plans include renting a barn to grow mushrooms.
The most important thing we learn as youngsters is how to think. Many young people learn this from a parent, from a teacher, from early work experience. Going to college can put a finishing touch on this, but the basics are already there by the time you matriculate.
Careers in business are built on interest and hard work. Part of that hard work is learning how to think. You see a problem, you wrestle with it, you figure out how to solve it, and then you're on your way.
Trade schools provide real opportunities for young people to connect with their innate interests and turn those interests into lifelong careers. Think electricians, plumbers, welders, auto repair technicians, beauticians, chefs, and more.
Preparing young people for careers can take a multitude of paths. College represents only one path. Careers in small business are another. Too often, teaching the value of small business is being neglected.
The losers in life's casino are those who become so enamored of going to college that they go to college for many years, piling on degrees, while trying to find themselves. Many reach middle age--still looking.
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