Job Loss Creates 2.6 Million Opportunities

As reported on CNNMoney.com today, 2008 was the second worst year for jobs lost since 1945. America lost 2.6 million jobs.

I take a look at this number and think 2.6 million opportunities for new companies.  Ok maybe not all 2.6 million can start new companies - but many can.

More Americans can, and will have to, start some form of business to replace the job they lost. Sure there is some risk to starting your own company, but by doing so you take control of your own future.  If you go back to work for someone else your job is never guaranteed.

I see 2.6 million potential success stories…will you be one of them?

Do something REALLY scary this Halloween – Start a Business

In the B-movie version, you’re staggering through a fog-veiled graveyard of economic doom while zombies cling to your ankles shrieking, “you will fail…you will faaaaaail”.  In a flashback, we see you having coffee with friends and talking about how you’ve always dreamed of having your own business.  Flash forward again and the zombies are back. “Lawyers, government forms, funding, marketing, receeeeession…”, they wail, “Just stay here with us….where it’s saaaaafe.”  Vultures are circling overhead.

In real life, those zombies could be your co-workers, friends and family and the graveyard is the shaky ground that corporate American is perched on.  The vultures?  They’re still circling. (more…)

Anyone can run… Here’s why you should stay in Michigan

In this long downturn in our Michigan economy, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just run.” But where will you run?  The mortgage crisis is a national problem – gas and energy costs are rising everywhere.  Automotive related jobs are being cut nationwide; creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond Michigan.  As a longtime entrepreneur and business consultant in Metro Detroit, I see the current hardships and frustration, but leaving the state is not the answer.

Your support network is here

If you think it’s easy to pick up and move to another state, think again.  Try to replace the years of relationships you have created.  Think of all the family and friends that you have around you, not to mention your business contacts and social sphere.  It’s hard to hit the ground running in a new state when you’ve left your support system behind. (more…)

Fear and the New Economy

My neighbor lost half her job last week.  She’s worked for a hospital in Detroit for 10 years.  An evaluation team was called in to make cost-saving cuts.  Her department was told they had to cut exactly ½ of an employee – based solely on seniority.  So, as the last hired, she found herself in the frightening position of having her full-time job turn into a part-time job.  Without any warning or notice, half her income vanished overnight.

Welcome to the new economy. The hits just keep coming…

I’m old enough to remember the days of job security.  It seems a quaint notion now, the idea that you can get a job and keep it – as long as you don’t screw up too badly.  Now employment is more like a combination of the stock market and a carnival ride.  Up, down…round and round…try not to lose your lunch. (more…)