[Golfinnova]

Originally Posted by tijlover

I try and put myself in the position of a business owner, and I'm dumbfounded how any of them stay in business during this recession, even so much as a Wal-Mart store.

I flirt with the idea, when retired in a few years, of merely opening up a small cafe or used bookstore, and it defeats me even to think about, even hiring one or two people, paying the rent, trying to just break even!

If I do, I'll probably do it solo, as I'm prone to panic attacks, worrying needlessly, giving up too easily, and why expose an employee to all that madness!

I could just see it, I open a small cafe, business goes great the first two months, business falters, I panic, fire the cook & waitress after I have to dip into my social security check to pay their wages, hang a closed sign in the window!

Increasingly, I'm looking at the perspective of a business owner and it's scarey to think about!

This is a great post, many businesses have closed down during this recession but there are many more that have continued to do well.

As most of you know, I have my own business and part of the reason why I still have it today is because I run it from home. I have very little overhead as I have no staff, my delivery van is paid for and I have no warehouse to keep my products.

It helps out that I don't spend any expense on advertising as I believe in word-of-mouth. Many of you know Carl (teach1234) and through the forum took my van to him this morning as it was running rough at 210,000 miles. When I introduced myself, his eyes got big and he smiled because he knew that his reputation was keeping his doors open. I left the van this morning and now at 3:30, he called me to say it was finished. The prices were fair and now I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Carl and I talked a few minutes and he told me that at least a dozen businesses have come and gone in the 18 months he has been at his current location including a metal fabrication shop with very expensive equipment.

The key to keeping a business open depends on several factors:
1. Having a business plan.
2. Understanding business forms such as an Income Statement and Profit and Loss Statement (P&L).
3. Offer something that is niche. We started as strictly snacks but we have ventured into jewelry, wallets, health and beauty and now clothing. Our business has grown even with the loss of our 2 biggest accounts in December.
4. Knock their socks off with service. Anyone can offer a product but if you back it up with service you are ahead of the game and those clients will tell their friends just like with Carl.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by elkotronics

What d'ya think? Would you be caught dead in this pup? Alfa Romeo's true Giulietta is going to be sold in Seattle-area dealers. BTW-I'm up in Kellogg, ID, now. The Elko hospital job didn't work out.

Wouldn't this type of material possession be a sin?

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by unf0rgiven6262

I just picture Elko walking down the street hoping he hears someone mention Jehovah and going off in a tangent. Did you just say Jehovah? No. Yes you did!. You know NEO is a false profit right! Jehovah can shoot bullets out of his feet. Top that!

And he wouldn't have the internet or youtube at his disposal to post odd pictures after such an exchange.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by tazz

It's like poking an ant hill with a sharp stick.

No it's like inviting the anthill into your house, where the house is the chat thread!

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by tazz

Not me. I'm sitting over here on the balcony LMAO.

Oh yeah, well this is not a comedy it's more like a place for misfit toys.

[tazz]

Originally Posted by lyra33

No it's like inviting the anthill into your house, where the house is the chat thread!

It was a 9 word sentence.

[pommysmommy]

I have to say that I am annoyed that Jehovah's Witness church members ring my doorbell but I respect their beliefs. I would hope that they respect my right not to be "witnessed". I don't answer the door and I don't engage but I don't bash their beliefs. Would it hurt not to belittle Elko for his beliefs? My telecommunications technician (a man I have used for years) recently converted from the Catholic faith to becoming a Jevohah's Witness. When he told me he had converted to the "one true faith" I wished him well but told him his testimony was not appropriate in the business setting.

[lyra33]

Actually I have no problem with missionaries going door to door. They really believe that they are saving people...is it such a terrible thing to offer with love and kindness? Not to me.

The problem I have is when religion and that message is used to belittle others and shared in a way that is not kind at all.

[pommysmommy]

Originally Posted by lyra33

Actually I have no problem with missionaries going door to door. They really believe that they are saving people...is it such a terrible thing to offer with love and kindness? Not to me.

The problem I have is when religion and that message is used to belittle others and shared in a way that is not kind at all.

So true Lyra but we should be wary of sinking to that level.

[lyra33]

Originally Posted by pommysmommy

So true Lyra but we should be wary of sinking to that level.

I think humor is a fine way to make things light and fun.