EDITORIAL
Every time we turn on the news or pick up a newspaper, the economy is the lead story. With layoffs and cutbacks, the government's stimulus spending, the mortgage crisis, bank and auto industry bailouts, the economy dominates the news. But, most of that focus is on BIG business, and on those areas of the country that have been hardest hit by the recession.
We think it's time to get your views. How seriously has the recession affected the way you do business here in the Houston area? What is your economic outlook for the remainder of 2009?
Please give us your take on the Houston area's economic climate for small business owners. It will only take about 60 seconds of your time, and you'll benefit from the thinking of other business owners like yourself. We'll compile the results and include your collective thoughts in our next "SCORE BizSuccess Newsletter".
Bob Presley, Editor
SURVIVING the Recession
Survival Step 1 - An Internal Examination
Last month, we advised that you give your company a very objective internal review. With an updated 12-month forecast, and cash flow analysis, give yourself the most accurate estimate of what you might expect in the coming year. Take a hard and honest look at the steps that will be required to stay solvent, with a positive cash flow, over the next 12 months.
Survival Step 2 - Stop the Bleeding
SCORE BizSuccessTips
Taking the Hassle Out of Business Permits, Licenses & Other Regulations
By Ron Consolino, SCORE Business Counselor
There are many business regulations of which most of us are totally unaware. But it's information that any new business owner must know to avoid running afoul of the law. Determining the licenses and permits that are required for a particular business can be a rather confusing puzzle. Similar businesses might be located across the street from one another, and yet be in different cities or counties, and thus face different regulatory requirements. So, where does a start-up business look for information on the array of licenses and permits needed at the local, state and federal levels of government?
SCORE Insider's Report
Cleaning Up In the Janitorial Business
By Howard Fitter, Score Business Counselor
The above title might sound a bit overstated, but consider this. My commercial cleaning business got its start in the mid 1950's, grew to 400+ employees by the 1960's and, finally, became a $20 million business before it was sold in the 1990's. I can enthusiastically declare, "The cleaning business has been very good to me."
If you're thinking of getting into the janitorial business, allow me to give you some valuable insights into the business from a guy who has had lots of experience.
Counselor Spotlight
Richard Stanley, SCORE Business Counselor
Over a lifetime, Richard Stanley has been a good scout, starting as a Cub Scout, going on to Boy Scout and, finally, attaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. At an early age, through food and clothing drives, and other scouting projects, young Richard learned the importance of serving others.
Later, when his city could not recruit sufficient numbers of police officers to adequately police the community, the young adult Richard Stanley became an officer with the Ft. Worth Police Dept., willing to put himself in harms way to protect the community, but without pay, a volunteer officer, complete with Smith & Wesson 38-caliber Combat Masterpiece handgun.
But, even "good scouts" must devote at least a little time to earning a living. Richard's first career job (for pay, that is) was as an executive in a medical supply & equipment company, with locations in three cities. Then he became the North American Marketing Director for, not one, but three, cardiac pacemaker manufacturers...a fitting career for a man with such a big heart.
In a third employment career, as an independent printing company owner, Richard organized and presented the first educational series on how small press printers could make extra profit by printing 4-color process on a 2-color press, making the presentation at two national printing conventions. Richard served two terms as president of the Houston Association of Quick Printers, and was honored as Houston "Quick Printer of the Year".
But, Richard Stanley has never stopped being a good scout. Honoring more than 25 years of service as a Boy Scout adult volunteer, Mr. Stanley has been recognized with the "District Award of Merit" and the "Silver Beaver", the highest recognition that can be awarded by a Boy Scout Council.
Upon selling his printing company a few years ago, Richard sought retirement activity that would be fulfilling and satisfying, something allowing him to utilize his business knowledge in ways that would help others. He tried business consulting for a while. But, when he discovered SCORE, this lifelong "boy scout" found a home.
Over the past three years at SCORE Houston, Richard has been among our most in-demand, most active counselors. In addition, he leads our newest SCORE members through the orientation process that qualifies them as counselors.
With Richard Stanley, the scout's pledge still rings true, "On my honor I will do my best...to help other people at all times..."
For your personal and confidential appointment, free of charge, please call:
The SCORE Business Information Center, 8701 S. Gessner, Suite 1200, (713) 773-6565
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