Just Do It!
 

     Fear.  It is probably the number one impediment for many as they contemplate starting a business.  There are hundreds of good reasons to be cautious - to make sure that you have done your due diligence and laid the proper groundwork; that you've done all of the research and talked to everyone you should have.  

     A business start-up usually involves laying out some cash.  Sometimes, lots of cash.  Maybe you have to go into debt in some fashion or another.  The current climate could certainly be better.  Anxiety sets in, and sleepless nights.  What if I fail?  How much are taxes going to go up?  How is national health care going to affect me?  Pretty soon you make global warming an impediment.  Waiting feels like a good idea.  Yeah, I'll just wait. 

     At the SBDC, there's a strong possibility that we can help chase away some of the demons.  The old adage that there's more than one way to skin a cat has been demonstrated several times right here in our office.  We have found several ways to slash start-up costs for people wanting to go into business.  We have been able to suggest alternate methods for achieving the same business result.  In other cases, we've been able to focus on a smaller part of the same concept in order to bring it to fruition.  There are even ways to get into business by spending time instead of money. 

     The prospect of failure is always out there.  It should be.  Without the prospect of failure, there can be no prospect of success.  The specter of inaction is more damaging.  If you have what you think is a good idea, let's find a way to take the plunge in a fashion where failure looms, at worst, a cheap education that you can build on for the future.  At best, your concept will be a winner and you will succeed beyond your wildest dreams.  What is certain is that you'll never know if you don't try.  Let's just do it!
 

Jim Hunter

Small Business Development Center