Monday, August 19, 2013

Hail, Hail - The Small Business Owner!

It seems like everywhere we look someone is talking about the "Small Business".  They are usually talking about businesses that have 10 or so employees and do only a few $100,000 a year...well that is not the only type of small business owner...There are some that are even smaller...

I am a one man shop!  I have lots of people who help here and there (usually for free)...but no employees and I will be lucky to make 10's of 1000's this year. 



If the floor is clean, I vacuumed it; if there are paper towels I the bathroom, I put them there; if there is coffee and water, I bought that and brought it in. 

Our profit margins are small and usually we don't even get a paycheck in that we are putting everything back into the business. 

Why do we do it?  When you work 7 days a week and miss family dinners etc. you ask yourself the same question...I can't speak for everyone, but I do it because...

I love what I do


I love to see the look on my customer's face when they get their quilts back
I love to share longarming with others

I love to teach and I love to quilt
I love meeting new people and I love learning new things
I am hoping to be a "bigger" small business someday
I like the thought of creating a business and paying taxes instead of taking a Gov't job that could support someone else that can't start their own business.

I also want to take a moment to praise "big" business too.  I am a huge free market advocate and think that there should be some rules to keep people honest, but think that if you get "big" - good for you!

So, Hail, Hail the Small Business!!!

11 comments:

Unknown said...

You are such an inspiration! I am so proud of you for going after your dream!

LizB said...

Thanks Anni! Miss you!

wow101 said...

Love the fact that you are doing what you love. Not too many folks can say that. Thanks for being such an inspiration.

Kathy Robinson said...

Congratulations on being a small business owner. There are some beautiful quilts in your shop. Doing something you love is not work, it's a pleasure.

Anonymous said...

There is something about being a small business owner that swells my heart with pride. I don't have beautiful quilts to look at each morning so I look at my website! :)

I must admit, when I am downloading a survey of interest to improve my business marketing skills, some websites do ask about size and revenue and I often feel, they should have a slot for "Other - please describe". Thank God they don't otherwise my answer might be 1 Horse Show for size and revenue would be " more than hand to mouth" LOL.

Vatsala Shukla said...

There is something about being a small business owner that swells my heart with pride. I don't have beautiful quilts to look at each morning so I look at my website! :)

I must admit, when I am downloading a survey of interest to improve my business marketing skills, some websites do ask about size and revenue and I often feel, they should have a slot for "Other - please describe". Thank God they don't otherwise my answer might be 1 Horse Show for size and revenue would be " more than hand to mouth" LOL

Doiron said...

Your work is awesome. I too, like to quilt although I have not done it for several years. Probably something I will get back to in my retirement. Great post!

Leslie Ferris said...

Hail is right. Congratulations on open your store. It looks beautiful - and I think quilts and quilting can really have a therapeutic component to it. I love that about it....

Robin Strohmaier said...

Fantastic post, Liz! Isn't it great to love what you do? Congratulations on opening your store. I love quilts! I wish that I lived closer. I would definitely stop in!
~ Robin Strohmaier

Moira Hutchison ~ Your Success Coach said...

Excellent post Liz! Your passion for what you do is awesome to see - I'm sure your clients totally love their quilts! I know I enjoy seeing the picture of them :)

Mike Gardner - the Time Doctor said...

Hope it all goes well for you