Before you get too excited about the coming recovery, have you heard about the “new normal?” The “new normal” is the term that many have been using for economic growth that is slower than what we became accustomed to over the past decade or so. Doug Dachille, of First Principles Capital Management, says in this clip … More The new normal
Hiring will rebound sooner rather than later and now is a great time to start your own business. At least that is what Daniel Gross of Slate and Newsweek says in his Moneybox column, “Coming Soon: Jobs!” According to Gross, we should be seeing the end of the “Great Recession” in the near future. “Before … More The end is near!!
We have been promoting the idea that recessions and layoffs, while very difficult to navigate, provide the impetus for an entrepreneurial boom. Now, the Kauffman Foundation has issued its report supporting our claims. In economic gardening terms, this is the equivilant of burning last years crops to make way for the new “green shoots.” … More Entrepreneurial stories
Is Abingdon on the brink of a new renaissance? That was the title question of a front page Bristol Herald Courier story this week connecting new businesses in the Washington County town to a strategic investment in Southwest Virginia’s cultural heritage. This little town might be the next Asheville, at least according to the buzz downtown,” opens staff … More Growing a success narrative
What is a good business proposition? That is a tough question to answer. I am sure that many people thought that two old hippies were crazy when they started an ice cream company in Vermont, where summers last only a few months and the temperature can drop to near freezing in August. But those that saw promise … More Bright ideas for business
Business incubators can provide start-up enterprises with professional space for reasonable rents – but they can play a much larger role as well. They can connect new entrepreneurs to the technical assistance and training that will provide them with a running start. In addition, business incubators can provide a network of entrepreneurially minded cohorts in close proximity to foster the type … More New approaches to business incubation
There is a lot of new information that indicates that the economy may be nearing recovery. Although layoffs continue, home sales are increasing, construction is up ever so slightly and energy prices are rising, too. All three are indications that people have adjusted to the recent changes and there is some pent up demand. Add to … More What you can (and should) do now
Norm Brodsky is a writer for Inc. Magazine. He is the co-writer of: The Knack: How Street Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up. He also has started six businesses. Lets call him an entrepreneur. In the April issue of Inc, Brodsky writes in his Street Smarts Column about lessons to use when your original plan goes … More Making lemonade
For a little fun, check out Inc. Magazine’s online slide show on the top 30 fictional entrepreneurs from TV, film and books. I missed a few of these, but I’d argue that Willie Wonka is in the top three, rather than number six. He knew his market, had great promotions, excellent staff management skills, pursued quality control … More A little entrepreneurial fun
The Sunday, April 5 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch had several articles of note about Virginia Main Street communities. First was an article about Abingdon’s latest downtown promotion, then an article about Page County’s (including Luray) attempt to be designated as the “Cabin Capital of Virginia.” Then yet another article, this one talking about the … More Virginia’s Main Street in the news
Virginia Main Street 