Reprint From Column in Palm Beach Post, Toby Chabon Berger
Owning Your Own Business Offers Opportunities for Security.
So, you want to be your own boss, a decision maker, in charge, telling others what to do? And, you want flexible working hours? Janet Harris Lange, President of Agenda Dynamics, Lake Park, says, “Small business ownership offers those opportunities. You become a decision maker along with your banker, the government, and your customers. You are also in charge by shouldering all the responsibilities including paying employees before you ever see a paycheck. As far as flexible hours are concerned, you can choose --any 23 out of the 24.”
Harris-Lange’s first foray into small business was in 1972, a partnership with her late husband, an attorney and inventor. As a marketing idea produced orders faster than they could be filled, Harris-Lange left teaching and took over running a business that manufactured different colored egg poachers. They sold like “hotcakes” in retail stores and in catalogues. She later sold that business and began an event planning and management association company, Agenda Dynamics. “Successful entrepreneurs should have excessive energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, and tenacity, she says. Harris-Lange also says, “become involved in trade associations where you will gain added knowledge and resources in running a business.” Practicing what she preaches, Harris-Lange has long been involved with the National Association of Women’s Business Owners, NAWBO, has served as President of both the local and national organizations, and is currently, the President of its sister organization, National Association of Women Business Owners Corporation, a non profit that certifies women business owners.
The term, entrepreneur dates back to a 15th century definition and means to undertake a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky. For Rhonda Barrera and Jennifer Penfield, partners in Absolute Fitness, Boynton Beach, their business venture fulfills a vision. The women, who worked together at a local gym decided to use their skills and experience to open a boutique fitness and training center. Each had a passion for physical therapy and fitness and wanted to create a unique environment catering to individuals. Penfield says, “We never thought about if we could do it, our mindset was always, ‘how we will do it.” Barrera, said, “We went through all the preliminaries of working with a lawyer, an accountant, and with leasing agents. We developed a three-year business plan by using a template from a trade journal. Finding financing was a challenge, but that was solved with home equity loans and a line of credit.” “The greatest advantage of having our own business is that we can do what we love doing, and there are no glass ceilings. The biggest disadvantage is that there are not enough hours in the day,” says Penfield. Their plans are to expand the business, maintain its personal approach, and rely on each other’s strengths to get things done. They also credit their staff who shares their philosophy.
Michelle Abado, Small Business Development Center of Indian River College, says, “The Center provides free counseling, workshops and seminars such as business plan writing, market research, business accounting, and other assistance critical to budding entrepreneurs.” The Center's High-Tech Business Incubator provides support services to help new technology-based businesses get off to a successful start. Dozens of Treasure Coast companies have taken advantage of programs.
The Small Business Development Center at FAU, Boca Raton, partners with Office Depot and also offers counseling, seminars and workshops. Ted Kramer, Palm Beach County Business Manager, and Assistant Director of the SBDC says, “Currently there are more than 16,000 small businesses with less than 30 employees in Palm Beach County. There are tons of people, who because of unemployment, fear of unemployment or of age discrimination, look to business ownership. Economic recovery and unemployment doesn’t appear to be ending soon, but the tough times can be an opportunity for those willing to take calculated risks,” says Kramer.”
S.C.O.R.E, (Service Corps of Retired Executives) counselor, Leonard Willner, Boca Raton, says, “We are seeing more people with limited funds. People who have been laid off are looking to small business ownership as a means of income.” Technology has made home-based businesses more attractive.” The local chapter of SCORE based in Boca Raton counseled more than 3,000 people last year, many of whom returned for additional assistance and are aware that S.C.O.R.E. offers expertise in a variety of industries. “One third of those counseled are already business owners. We also provide business evaluations of existing businesses much like those done by large consulting companies. The counselors work in teams based on the needs of the small business and provide services at their office, on site, and by cyber mail,” says Willner.
For small business owners who want a more formal approach, Ann Langlois, Assistant Professor at the Rinker School of Business, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach says, “The University offers a B.S. degree in Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management. Students in the program are represented by those looking forward to a future start-up as well as those already engaged in their own business.”
Timing, opportunity and assistance are there for those who have a burning desire for entrepreneurship. you and your business an be a statistic in the success column.
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