Comments on: Is the Economy Really Improving for Small Business? You Decide

By: sba.banker

sba.banker — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:31:01 +0000

Regarding the SBA’s ARC Loan program,

The Washington Post, on 11/6/2009 reported: Loan program to aid small firms is expected to see 60% default rate

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110505178.html

By: Andy Birol

Andy Birol — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:19:56 +0000

In talking to so many business owners, I can report that most feel like Charles Dickens’ young Oliver Twist with his nose pressed up against the dining room window filled with people and good food.

“Can I have some more?” he asks, only to get pushed away.

While the economy is improving and a few owners are eating well again most are still watching with envy.

Simply stated, where you stand depends on where you sit. If your customers are buying you are eating. If they aren’t, not so much.

Andy Birol, Birol Growth Consulting, Helping Owners Create Profitable Growth

By: RedHotFranchises

RedHotFranchises — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:45:03 +0000

There is a good chance that the economy will turn a corner. This is the time to make preparations and ensure that we are ready when increased activity is upon us.

By: Denise O'Berry

Denise O'Berry — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:33:20 +0000

@noel — your accountant is right! But even better is setting up your services so you don’t have to invoice. Take a good look at how you provide your services to your clients. There may be a way you can get your money sooner.

@robert — the key is to pay attention to the information, but not let yourself get bogged down by it. There are still ways to thrive despite the economic situation.

@tj — glad to hear you are seeing some difference. I think we’ll see more and more of that, but it’s never been (or will be) “easy” street for most small businesses.

By: TJ McCue

TJ McCue — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:04:09 +0000

Denise, this is much appreciated. I see a slight uptick in biz. A willingness to spend, but like many others, projects and engagements are smaller, in scope and cost. I really agree with Noel…

By: Robert Brady

Robert Brady — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:18 +0000

Hopefully the recent unemployment numbers (over 10%) don’t put too much of a wet blanket on these positive indicators. My outlook all along has been that the recovery will be slow and people need to be willing to deal with that.

By: noel design

noel design — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:53:18 +0000

Like my accountant says invoicing is good but collecting is better.

And boy has that been my challenge all along, getting people to pay their bills.

Now with the news of the recession coming to a close they can’t use that as the excuse any more.

I hope

–

Thanks and Regards

Noel for Nopun.com
a graphic design studio