I am a lifelong entrepreneur and I love the challenges and opportunities presented by operating a small business enterprise.
Today, I am honored to manage an amazing resource for small businesses in Orlando, Florida, called the Disney Entrepreneur Center. I love my job!
This blog is an outlet to share my thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on small business with you. Please feel free to comment, add your perspectives, or just drop in occasionally for some food for thought.
I have worked for the largest business in the world (AT&T) and the smallest (my own), but I don't have all the answers! I do have lots of opinions, questions and ideas to ponder...so I hope you come back often to enjoy the journey into the mind of a serial entrepreneur!
We Have What It Takes.
(General)
Friday, June 06. 2008
I just attended the Orlando Business Journal's Economic Outlook Event, and it was well worth the time and money invested. I heard perspectives and opinions from state and federal leaders, experienced economists, and lots of local business leaders. It was very interesting, enlightening, and sometimes very funny ( to me!)...
It is always refreshing to hear Hank Fishkind speak bluntly about issues that many others choose to tip-toe around, or convert into politico speak. He is always well prepared with research and has a talent for cutting to the bottom line. I was also very impressed by Alex...
Heather Rocks!
(General)
Friday, June 06. 2008
I was in the hunt for a flat screen TV. My search included online research, consumer interviews, flyer comparisons, and endless hours of gazing at the walls of choices at each store. I was ready to buy…and already dreaming of programming a new remote control and then form fitting it to my hand. But then it was time to go shopping.
I was ignored, treated as an interruption, and generally felt that I knew more about the products than any of the sales people. At one store I picked out two models only to be told that they were “out of stock: and at another, I was...
Tend To Your Knitting
(General)
Sunday, May 04. 2008
I am one of 11 children. My mother was a saint...and a field marshall, an enforcer, a motivator, a mediator, a CFO, and a CEO. I often find myself using her sayings from the hills of Kentucky with my son, and believe it or not, in my business life too.
"You can wear the same pants and get happy" was her way of communicating that things were not going to change so you better deal with it.
"Let your vittles stop your mouth" was her favorite at the dinner table...translation...quit talking and start eating. She had plenty of those sayings.
So, as I consider a strategy for...
Negotiate
(General)
Sunday, May 04. 2008
In business you should negotiate for everything. I have been told many times by people who are much smarter than me that you "make your money when you buy as well as when you sell." Americans are reluctant to bargain for things, however, most other cultures expect to bargain on most every exchange. It is part of the free exchange of goods and services.
If you are uncomfortable with the process, start small and practice your skills. Drop in on any garage sale you see and when you find something you like--negotiate a little. Make an offer; haggle and see how you do....
Small Business Week
(General)
Wednesday, April 30. 2008
Last week was the SBA designated week for Small Businesses. The City of Orlando gave us a proclamation for our center declaring it small business week and we had an amazing number of events to support small businesses of all sizes. It was exhausting, but I had a great time and met some great entrepreneurs!
The entire week was filled with reminders of how dedicated, diverse, and hard-working our small business community is and it renewed my vigor shop the "small business" to serve my needs whenever possible. We should consider every week, small business week when you consider buying something. When we...