A few weeks ago a reporter from our local newspaper asked for some time to talk with me to get to know me better. She said she was investigating the topic of business in our community and business innovation. I have a very diverse background in giving back to our local community and I also own and participate in a number of business ventures so I felt comfortable meeting her to discuss the topic. What I didn’t know was what the article was going to look like.

When the article hit the front page of our business section, I was listed as one of the Top Five People to Know in our Community if you are starting or growing a business. And as I read it was not because I am the best business person in our community but it was because of a mixture of things including my ability to connect people with others and be a liason, my public service and my business expertise. I was and am honored and humbled. This was unsolicited and yes, it made me feel good after years of hard work.

You can click this link to read the short article.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/may/26/Vancouver-business-people-know/

My biggest and loudest goal is to be an advocate and an inspiration to help the small guy/gal – the solopreneur, the home business owner, the little guy who has an idea and wants to “get it out there” but doesn’t know where to start, the network marketing who is looking for a little side income.

It is my opinion that the Entrepreneur is going to continue to be the engine of our “new economy” (geez, I really hate that over used saying!). It’s true. Those who have been laid off and cannot get their traditional roles at a different company are venturing out to start their own thing. And to that I say, “Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.” Get yourself a mentor or coach and go get ’em!

Yes, we need large companies and innovation in our communities and we need to find ways to encourage that piece of economic vitality and development. At the same time, I believe that our independent entrepreneur is amazing and you never know what can happen. Something that starts in a garage next can end up being the next Apple Computers. It all starts with an idea and then takes action and work.

As for the article, it can be hard to hear good things about yourself or your company. We’re not used to tooting our own horn. As kids we hopefully heard a lot of Kudos from our Parents (“good job”, “you did great”, “keep up the good work”) but as business owners and entrepreneurs we don’t often get that from the landlord, our employees, or our vendors. There’s no, “Thanks for the rent on time” or “Man, thanks for that paycheck” or “Thanks for taking the risk and being an Entrepreneur”. So, if earned media comes your way be grateful and accepting.

And next time you take your dry cleaning in think about saying, Thank You for being in business, to the owner. You’ll at least put a smile on their face 😉