Everyone wants to start a business
April 2, 2008 by Katie Skow
Filed under Biz
There’s a very interesting article on CNN Money about entrepreneurs and small biz entitled “Everyone wants to start a business.” While the article might assume a bit too much about the American business spirit (I know quite a few who have no aspirations to be self-employed) and the assuming attitude can be quite obnoxious at some points, it is an interesting read with good points nevertheless.
I do believe that the number of small businesses will continue to increase with the current economic situation in the US. Large corporations firing at will and going bankrupt are not giving many people much choice than to go out on their own. Raise your American flag because these are the highlights: - “Almost everyone” in the US wants to own a business from teens to college students to those over 65 and even recent immigrants. (Yes, people from all ages and backgrounds, but not everyone)
- Sixty-six percent of respondents in a 2006 Yahoo Small Business and Harris Interactive survey said they wanted to start a company someday; 37% of those said they hoped to do so within the next five years. (Biased? Don’t small biz owners tend to read Yahoo Small Business?)
- All these nascent businesses require services, technology, and expertise – demands that have launched an echo boom of small businesses seeking to serve other small businesses. Gourab Nanda, 34, suggests you “identify your customers, provide the services, and keep prices low.” (This guy has simple, yet excellent advice for succeeding in today’s economy. I couldn’t have said it better).
- Entrepreneurs are more likely to get involved in their communities, through service on elected and appointed boards and other types of volunteer work. And they lead the nation in charitable donations. (It’s called NETWORKING)
- Innovative entrepreneurs may help keep the country afloat in a time of global uncertainty. (We are the force of positive change!)
- Michael Dell said in a recent interview, “Many nations have capital, many nations have smart people, but no nation really compares to the U.S. in terms of its willingness to accept risk takers in society.” (I have heard that it is easier to be a small business owner in the US than in many other countries)
