Business 101: Is it really a good time to start a business?

I stand here to say it is a phenomenal time to start a business! Let’s take a look at history and the companies that said yes and launched a business during tough economic times. Did you know that 16 of the 30 companies that make up the Dow industrial average were started during a recession or depression? These include Procter & Gamble, Disney, Alcoa, McDonald's, General Electric, FedEx, Trader Joe’s and Johnson & Johnson.

Let's journey through history to 1973-1975; the United States had an unpopular president, in the middle of the Watergate scandal and at the tail end of an extremely costly war that had divided the country. We watched gas prices jump by nearly 50% in two years leaving consumer confidence at an all-time low. You would think it was a terrible time to begin a business, right?

Let’s take a look at a few of the companies started during this economic crisis of the 1970's: Supercuts, Chili’s, Cablevision, Industrial Light & Magic, Famous Amos Cookies, Oakley and a small company called Microsoft.

What makes it a good time to launch the next Intuit, Whole Foods, J. Crew, Costco, or Applebee's (all launched during recessions)? Here's what happens in bad economic times, disruption. Disruption means things change often quickly and dramatically. When change happens opportunities are created and entrepreneurs seize that opportunity that’s what makes them entrepreneurs.

So what sets them apart from the rest of the people? There are a few key points that lead to success during economic crisis, like today:

· Mind-Set
· Desire for Change
· Passion for Opportunity
· Strong Support System
· Defined RoadMap
· Great Idea

What has changed in the way business is done today?

· Weakened competitors. It's likely that many of your competitors are facing tough times,

tightening their belts, perhaps retiring or selling out. Many of the companies that have

been around for what seems forever are shutting their doors.
· Customers seek cost effective options. When times are good, customers are likely to stick

with the suppliers they're used to, even if they're a more expensive. Today, however,

customers are looking around for cost effective options to get the products and services

they need.
· Large Corporations cut back. Reducing their services, especially to the small business

owners, who might be great customers for you.
· Loyalties loosen. As competitors reduce services to customers, and as customers look

around for cost effective options, it means they're less likely to be loyal even to longtime

suppliers.

What is your role in this opportunity?

· Be the cost effective option. Target customers who use more expensive products &

services now.
· Market aggressively. As loyalties loosen, your competitors' customers are more willing to

look at other options. They will be looking for those that stand out as the solution to their

needs/problems.
· Think out of the Box. Come up with new ideas/solutions, especially more cost effective

ones, for customers' problems; they'll be in a more receptive mood.
· Present yourself as a consultant for large companies. You'll be more cost effective than the

in-house staff they're laying off and will bring new innovative ideas to increase their

profitability.

"A lot of businesses get started at bad times," said S. Andrew Starbird, the Acting Dean of the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. "What they have in common is that they were innovative and served a particular need at the right time, the right place with the right product at the right price."

A Cure For Worry; Faith

Such a time as today when around every corner appears fear and worry, what can someone do? The question coming through loudly is; how can I overcome this issue of fear and worry? Then you hear the self-blame of what did I do wrong? In a country so rich in resources it is shocking to see where we stand today, the feeling of being totally lost and abandoned as we watch the “Big Guys” get all the help they can yell or whine for. I am sharing today ways to approach these very real feelings and emotions so that you can live a healthy life.

These feelings and emotions are very real and sometimes can even paralyze it’s victim. The incredible news is we can move through all this and step into an empowered place in our own life, if we so choose to do so. It is time we step up and grasp a hold of truth and move forward. The first step to moving forward is to realize you do not own the crisis, you did not create this crisis and this crisis will not control you unless you allow it to. I know these are pretty bold statements to make today, however I ask you one valid question; Can YOU change what is happening in the economy? The answer is NO! So therefore it is time to stand up, dust off the dirt and move forward. This is not an easy task to achieve as many of you have lost homes, jobs, family and more.

The second step to moving forward is to monitor what you are taking into your mind. What do you watch every day? What do you read every day? If all you do is read the news, watch the news then all you have is the news. As we all know the news can not find anything good to report on, which is amazing because I know there are great things happening in our communities as people step up to help each other out. What type of music do you listen to…what are the lyrics? What movies do you watch…what is their content? What are you reading? I challenge you today to write all this down and evaluate how this is affecting what happens in your mind and your feelings/emotions. Is it a positive energy or is the life being sucked out of you? Get real with yourself and explore how you might change what is being created in your environment.

The third and most important step to moving forward is finding peace and spirituality for yourself. Let me define what I mean by spirituality since there are many meanings it seems today. By spirituality I am speaking of a relationship with God the Father, the God of the Bible. Many ask why some of us Christians are so calm as so much happens to us, around us how can you be at peace? Let me tell you once you experience the peace of God you can go through anything that He allows to build your character and help others because of your experience and compassion. The scripture I would love to leave you today is from the gospel of Matthew, a promise of God’s provision for His children.

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Matthew 6:25-34 NLT

Let me leave this thought with you today, we have a God that loves us more than we can imagine who sent His only Son to take our place so that we may have eternal life with Him. A God that proclaims He will provide for us and all He asks is that we believe and have faith in Him, believe His words and accept Him in our hearts. We do not have to work to have the relationship and there are not many roads to God. Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” John 14:6. He may not answer when we expect it however; I am here to say He answers in His perfect time which is amazing. I am a living proof of this today!

Change your Mind-Set…

What an amazing journey we can choose to be on and yet so many are choosing to give up, end the journey. Why? Why would you give up just before you make it to your goal? What will you choose today?

As you stop and explore the thoughts running through your mind right now what comes up? Are you consumed with the goings on in the state or Federal government crisis? Are you so pinpoint focused on the enormous job losses in the recent weeks? Are you freaking out about the what if you get the much dreaded pink slip?

Stop it!!! As humans we tend to focus and dwell too often in the negative that we can not control or change, resulting in illness, depression and often giving up. It is time that you pick yourself up, dust off your knees and move forward.

I am not saying ignore what is reality, I am saying do not focus on things that you can not fix, change or modify. It is time we all got up, refocused and changed our Mind-Set to something positive and empowering for you. Let’s just say enough whine and cheese!

Instead of waiting for the pink slip, empower yourself to build something amazing today, so if it comes you are not devastated you are empowered and already refocused on an amazing journey that is powerful and life changing. Stand today with me and say no more excuses I am going to move forward in a positive & empowered state of mind!

Are you willing to change your Mind-Set?

Robin Hardy-Keeping Joy in Troubling Times

Keeping Joy in Troubling Times Knowing your peace and hope comes from Jesus. What an exciting time we are in today! Many would say that statement is crazy talk however, perhaps their hope is in their home, job or bank account. If there is one thing I have learned in the past few months is those things are not always there, they are not constant and they offer no hope or peace but for a moment. So where are we to find that hope and peace in today? We know the Word tells us that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow so my hope and peace really should be in Him that is constant and unchanging. The other lesson I have learned is how do I act or react to the trials of 2008? Beautiful Diva's what I do know is the world is watching us and saying where is this God you believe in, look at you miserable and depressed, what God? When that became a reality in my mind, you know that light bulb moment I realized what I know in my heart had better be played out in my actions. My joy, peace and hope is not in my home, bank account or job it is truly 100% in my precious Father in heaven. Sometimes life throws us lemons and all seems bitter, however if we stir in a little Jesus into the juice it becomes a sweet refreshing beverage that nourishes our souls and calms our hearts. This is a time dear sisters that we need to cling to our Heavenly Father with all our strength, lean on Him and share the joy of the knowledge we will be alright under the wings of the Father in heaven. Will you join me today in the refreashing of our minds, renewing of our hearts and rejoice in the hope we have? If you do not know about this hope please let us know I would love to share my Jesus with anyone desiring a true hope and peace in todays kaos. Be blessed in your decisions to move forward and be a light in a dark world so that others will want what you have! Robin HardyCertified Empowered Options Coach & Inspirational SpeakerTo book Robin to speak at your church or event contact her at:www.RobinHardy.net Robin@RobinHardy.net

Taking Our Power Back!

I sat back this morning reflecting on many dear friends who have this week decided to take their power back from things holding them in bondage. They are experiencing a couple of different emotions as they emerge victorious in taking their life back. Some are feeling strong and confident, while others are scared and weak. Feeling are important to embrace and recognize what impact they are having on you. If you avoid the feeling/emotion side of life you will miss out on so much growth and opportunity.

Those feeling strong and confident are moving into their next place, next level with anticipation of great things happening. Keep in mind this was their choice to move this direction, many had already been in the scared and weak place in their life. My encouragement to all who are experiencing taking your power back with fear and weakness to take a deep breath and move forward anyway. The power you have in moving despite your emotions is life changing. Here are a few ways that will help you move through this new fantastic step you have chosen to make:

• Journal: write down what is going on, experience your emotions, embrace the change
• Breathe: take deep breaths and calm your mind, slow the breathing down and relax
• Music: listen to some positive music, full of life and energy
• Connect: connect with a coach, mentor that will listen as you move through your new journey.

These are all simple ways to begin to embrace this exciting new place you stand in, enjoy it and love the journey you are on...

What have you taken your power back on? (financial, business, relationships, etc.)

Empowered Choices in Challenging Times

Today I had to close my eyes and take a break from all the turmoil in our economy as of late. What we are all hearing in the news can be troubling and even cause fear. However, we always have a choice as to how we deal with challenging times. Many panic, get depressed and even give up however, some like you and I choose to find options and re-invent ourselves.

My new word for this last part of 2008 is Re-Invent, the process of embracing change or challenges and choose to Re-Invent or Re-Create what we do. This is a very powerful step to take in your life. Do you know the Walmart was not created overnight, Sam Walton failed at 10 businesses before Walmart became a household name. So take a deep breath and ask yourself one question...

What do I choose today? To Re-Invent myself and become an Empowered Unstoppable Individual or give up?

Join me on www.RobinHardy.net to learn more about the 6 Pillars of The Empowered Unstoppable Individual, it will change your life.

So what will you choose today, I'd like to hear from you...

Give careful thought to your ways...

This morning as I was doing my devotions I was reading in Haggai 1:1-7. Twice in this was said "Give careful thought to your ways..." As I thought about this it became clear why sometimes we work so hard at something with no results and once we reconsider or reinvent ourselves things change.

In our economy today we have to evaluate where we are and in some cases reinvent ourselves. This is the exciting part of life's journey when we get to reinvent our self! So today as you ponder the journey you are on and give careful thought to your ways, what you are doing, the direction you are moving in...do you need to reinvent yourself?

How would you reinvent yourself today?