The Remaining 30%…?

The next time you go into an independent restaurant with a unique atmosphere, ask to say hello to the owner and ask him/her a couple questions about their business… anything. I think you’ll be amazed at how much the restaurant reflects the personality of its owner.

As business owners our personalities are often intertwined with our business. It is so much a reflection of our habits, our beliefs, and our attitudes. In a very real sence, it is a reflection of us.

With that in mind I ask you, who will you be at the end of this decade? Who were you (as reflected by your business) in 2000? Remember the excitement of a new century? Remember the relief that our world did not grind to a halt because our computers destructed with 00’s. Remember the dreams you harbored for the future?

There is only 30% of this decade remaining. Who will you become at its end? When you look back on the first decade of the 21st century, what will you have to say for yourself and about yourself?

Did you succumb to the fears of war in Iraq, $70 barrels of oil and exploding housing prices? Or did you take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates in 50 years, the expanded availability of working capital, the access to mega computing power, great software, and the opening of new international markets?

Truth is, we are living in the greatest business environment in the history of the world. A time when it is relatively easy for a business owner to find good employees, working capital, business ideas and enjoy relatively low tax rates (I did say relatively).

Every month we help about 20 entrepreneurs get working capital for their business. They are using this capital and this time in American business history to make an impact with their business and with their lives. In their small way, they are making the world a better place for their customers and clients and reaping the economic benefits and personal fulfillment of doing so.

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the daily grind of running your business. It is difficult to look up sometimes and contemplate the future. So, while I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, I encourage you to look up a bit and consider who you will be at the end of this decade. It is only 3 short years away.

Your business can evolve into anything you can imagine. Working capital, good employees, computing power, technologies are no longer impediments but enablers in your pursuit of greatness. Please recognize where we are in business history and the opportunities available to you at this very moment.

With that, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Who will I become by 2010?