Call me Pollyanna. Most of the time I try to find the best in everything. When life gives you lemons – make lemonade. It may be my years of sales training that made me so endlessly optimistic. You have to go through the no's to get to the yeses. I have a positive saying for almost every situation, I know my Pollyanna attitude can be irritating. However, I believe, a positive outlook is necessary to achieve a positive outcome. (I just made that one up … maybe).
I have written before about this dismal economy. We are in the worst economy since the Great Depression. The current unemployment statistics are not nearly as bad now as they were then, but they're still bad. Now, unemployment in Florida is somewhere around 10%, give or take. During the 1930's unemployment was around 25%, rising to that peak in 1933. The foreclosure rate at 10% is about the same now as then.
My mother's depression era story about unemployment is that her dad, my grandpa, was temporarily out of work because he couldn't get the gas to run his crew. He had a business selling door to door, which always makes me envision Ryan O'Neill in “Paper Moon”, even though Grandpa's business was on the up an up and legal. That business closed. For a time Uncle Clifford was the only one in the household who had work, and that was only because he was a union city bus driver. They managed. They got through. Sometime in the 1930's, Grandpa, a life time entrepreneur, founded a chain of storefront bookkeeping businesses, which he owned and operated until he retired. My mom, now almost 91 years old still stops to pick up a penny on the sidewalk and regularly hands money to pan-handlers. She remembers hobos coming to their backdoor wanting to do a little work in exchange for a meal, and that her aunt never once turned anyone away.
Stubborn clouds of financial gloom loom on the horizon. But, true to form, your 21st century Pollyanna, yours truly, finds the silver lining. It may take a little thought twisting for you to consider that your unemployment or downsizing, is a blessing. But it is. And you may find it a challenge to realize that we are lucky to be living through these difficult times. But we are.
I found out a long time ago, that I am my all time favorite boss. I have owned my own businesses or been self-employed for most of my life. My bosses when I had a “real job” either loved me or hated me. The ones that loved me appreciated my hard work, creativity, and confidence. The ones that hated me thought I was a pain in the neck – although some of them appreciated my hard work and creativity. Few of the bosses that disliked me liked my confidence, which I suppose could translate into being a know it all, if you're so smart why don't you have your own business, etc.
I have freelanced as a graphic artist, and writer. I have owned an art gallery, a construction company, and a document preparation business. I have also been self-employed in various ventures that were short term or did not rise to the definition of a business.
Interspersed with my various businesses and freelance work, I have worked as a salesperson. I have sold encyclopedias, printing, generic pharmaceuticals, timeshares, software, and home based business opportunities. Nothing happens until somebody sells something. (Oops there goes Pollyanna again).
If you can't find a job – create one. Although it may seem counter-intuitive to start a new business during a recession it can actually be the best time. Also as technology evolves so do consumers needs and preferences. New needs emerge as businesses close down. Consider the rise and fall of BlockBuster, which dominated the video rental market in the 90's. And the emergence of Netflix as a leader in today's movie rental business.
Following is a list of businesses which were begun during poor economies – depression, recession, or downturn:
According to a recent “USA Today” article, 16 out of the 30 corporations that make up the current Dow Jones Industrial Average started during a recession. During the recession of the early 90s, 25% of downsized executives over 40 years old created start up companies. A poor economy may actually allow the cream to rise to the top. Some of those downsized executives may never have made it past mid-level management in their previous employment, and remained quite content, had they not been let go. Their talent may never have come to light if necessity had not demanded that they create a start up, and start over. For many, being laid off, downsized, or let go was an opportunity to shine.
Perhaps, a recession, although painful, is a natural way to jump start the economy.
According to the Small Business Administration, there are over 27 million small businesses in the United States, and between 60 and 80% of new jobs can be attributed to small business. Impressed? I am.
I am a good capitalist. I believe with all my heart in the American Dream. If you have ever considered owning your own business, the time may be right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
To learn more about starting a Legal Document Preparation Business, visit the Florida Association of Legal Document Preparers:
http://www.faldp.org/Legal-Document-Preparation-Business.html
