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Did You or Washington Build Your Business?

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Unless you have been living under a rock in recent months, you have likely heard the argument coming out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue regarding your small business.

It goes something like: “If you’ve got a business. you didn’t build that.  Somebody else made that happen.  The Internet didn’t get invented on its own.  Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet.”

First, let me assure you that I’m not here to discuss politics.

I have gone on the record in recent times as saying that if Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are the two best candidates come November we can find to run for the world’s most powerful job, we’re all in deep trouble. There, that’s my two cents on the politics in Washington, D.C., so onto the more important stuff.

There seems to be this notion out there that small business owners are unable to do anything on their own without the intervention of  government. Be it a loan or other assistance, Washington must somehow be involved in order for the next great small business idea to take flight.

While I was not a straight A student in high school and college history classes, I can assure you that our Founding Fathers wanted government to stay out of our lives as much as possible. Unfortunately, it seems like government is more involved in our lives these days than at any point in recent history. For the small business owner, that is not a good scenario.

Whether you have been running a small business for years, just opened one, or have that notion floating around in your head to do so, YOU are the one who makes it happen. You are also the one who is having to put forth the blood, sweat and tears to realize your dream. Lastly, you are the one that will sink or swim with your small business.

One of the best things about living in the greatest country in the world is the opportunities that are out there for each and everyone of us. Unlike other parts of the world where one can only dream of opening a small business, play your cards right here and you can be that person.

While we do need governmental help from time to time, YOU can start your own business, run it successfully, and even employ others without Washington lifting a finger.

Despite the fact that many small businesses fail, there are many, many more success stories that we see and hear about on a regular basis.

The question is, will you be one of the success stories?

If the answer is yes, tell the politicians in Washington that YOU built that business, not them.

Photo credit: cambridgema.gov

Dave Thomas has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer, covering news, sports marketing, SEO, press releases, social media and more. You’ll find Dave at: http://www.examiner.com/news-in-san-diego/dave-thomas

Cool Tool Review: Business.gov

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Todd Hoskins chooses and uses tools, products, and practices that could belong in an entrepreneurial business toolkit. He’ll be checking out how useful they are to folks in a business environment.

Cool Tool Review: Business.gov
A Review by Todd Hoskins

The Small Business Administration was created in 1953 with the charter to “aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns.” Most entrepreneurs are familiar with SBA loans, but are unaware of the additional services offered by state and local SBA offices.

Business.gov is a collection of resources, designed to help small businesses (under 500 employees) get the help they need. This includes loan applications, tax information, licensing, and relevant regulations. Contrary to what many people believe, the SBA no longer offers loans directly to citizens. They act as a broker and guarantor for business owners seeking loans (currently numbering more than 240,000). But they do much more than that.

There are approximately 1,000 Small Business Development Centers across the US. The SBDC’s provide one-to-one counseling, educational programs, and financial analysis services. I was surprised when friend Mike Nolan joined the SBDC in South Central Minnesota. Mike is a serial entrepreneur and professor of entrepreneurship. Rather than launching more projects, he has chosen to help others expand and excel.

The site is much better than most governmental agency sites, but the online community could use some nurturing.

There are people who want to help you. And they also have something to gain – small business growth leads to tax revenue and jobs. Whether you are in the planning stage, survival mode, or a growth phase, find your local office and see what is available.

Summing Up – Is it worth it?

Enterprise Value: 2/5 – A great way to inquire where to help serve your local business community

Entrepreneur Value: 5/5 – Why not? Free assistance!

Personal Value: 0/5 – Extraneous government involvement unnecessary

Let me know what you think!

Todd Hoskins helps small and medium sized businesses plan for the future, and execute in the present. With a background in sales, marketing, leadership, psychology, coaching, and technology, he works with executives to help create thriving individuals and organizations through developing and clarifying values, strategies, and tactics. You can learn more at VisualCV, or contact him on Twitter.