How many times have you heard in recent times “Small business is getting crushed.” Or “40% of small businesses have closed their doors for good.” Or “You’ll own nothing and be happy.” To someone who is an eternal optimist, like me, all the negativity can drive people to “give up” their will to be in businesses. Yes, these are discouraging signs of deeper fissures in our economy, and yes, their effects will be felt for years. However, I challenge you to change your attitude about what’s possible during severe economic disruption and recognize it for the opportunity that it presents.
Read MoreIt was one of those rare occasions where someone acts on your good advice. Several years ago a friend and colleague of mine was transitioning out of her full-time job to build a new life, out of state. Eschewing corporate hierarchies as I do, while trying to remain sensitive to her need for stable work, I made that best suggestion I could. I told her she could put herself in business right away by marketing herself as a "Virtual assistant" to her existing network instead of waiting in line like everybody else to land full-time employment.
Read MoreWhat does being out of work cost you every month? If you think you already know the answer to that question, think again. It's probably costing you a lot more than you think.
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