Business: Alive and Well!

10/4/2020

Once in a while my mornings have more than one SIMH—like today. They might be related, but I don’t think they came to mind for the same reason (ah, well, that probably doesn’t matter.) “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”—Bob Dylan, then later by Waylon, Willie, Johnny—many others. Some classics you just can’t make go away. 

The second SIMH sounds like it would be a natural thought change from the first, but it wasn’t in my strange thought pattern: “Don’t Worry”—Marty Robbins. I thought the title included the words “..’bout me”,  but that was a 1938 blues/jazz song recorded by many artists. But, the one in my mind had more to do with the strange use of an electric base, and Marty Robbins voice. I enjoyed looking up and listening to these two songs—old memories you can enjoy, also. Perhaps.

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Wondering at this crazy year we’re living through—aka, 2020. Looking back to my expectations for the year (written about just a little at the end of last year and the start of this one), I was just a bit over-expectant comparatively. At this writing the “pandemic” China-virus overspreading has reached the POTUS & FLOTUS and a bunch of people around them. What do I expect now? I don’t even want to tell you what I expect. I’m just about as sick of this year as I can get. It is my nature to be optimistic, but the “princes of this world” are making it very hard to stay positive in any way except one: the ultimate end when Christ wins! I know that’s secure. It is getting through the time it takes to get there, know what I mean?

This week I worked a little with the newest Blue Jug owner for the Scottsboro store. His will be the 3rd Alabama Blue Jug, and I’ve picked up a couple of projects for more Alabama stores—I like that aspect of my week. There are so many towns in this state which are perfect applications of what Blue Jug stores bring forth: Water the way it’s meant to be and healthy snacks and health aids, etc. The Scottsboro store has a lot of space and will ultimately incorporate more than just our normal setup, no doubt. He’s exploring the possibility of getting a coffee shop in with him. That’s a good mix.

Last evening and this morning I have come into a couple more prospects, one in Prattville/Montgomery area and in another Oxford/Anniston—two prosperous areas of our state. I’m looking forward to being in touch with these folks in coming days. I’ve spent considerable time (in years past) in both these areas and always enjoyed the time spent there. (Some funny stories will be kept in my head till later about these many visits.) We’re back to being more positive we’ll help more people get into business again. The virus effect took a little toll and has had us wondering.

I enjoy reading or hearing the story of someone’s successful business or businesses. A couple of days ago, I was told about an idea a young lady had for a business she liked. It started as a copycat (that is, there are others like it in nearly every town), but she allowed her idea to flourish, to grow with what appeared in front of her. Four years later, she’s reached about half way to where she wants her business to be. Stymied at the moment because of some unusual high prices in building materials, it isn’t deterring her plan, just slowing it down. Oh, she could forge ahead, but she doesn’t think it’s right to build a debt as she builds a business. This makes me want to follow along, observing her continual growth. She doesn’t care how long it takes, just do what she has the money to do. In her business, I agree. I tend to believe she’ll fulfill her dreams.

Debt shouldn’t be thought of as wrong or bad, but it is a thing which must be built into one’s management formula. If the style and vision of the business makes demands which cause short-term indebtedness, that repayment must be built into the business in such a way that 1) it can be paid out of resources as they are now or if they take a 20% dip, and 2) can be paid off ahead of an established schedule by expected increase, and 3) by that increase, is paid off better than scheduled. Never leave debt unpaid, even if it takes years to make it right.

The young lady mentioned above seems to have these principles built in to her plan and she seems very much on top of her thoughts and intentions. I think it’ll be fun checking in from time to time to see how her plans unfold. 

Never has there been a land like America! Never. People come here from all over the world with ideas and make them happen. Or millions grow up here and see something that will improve their lives and do it! I once asked a lawyer I knew what I needed to start a certain thing: He said, “Hang your shingle out and get on with it!” I love that as an example of how simple it is here to do what we want to do. Oh, yes, depending on who or what is involved, there may be some irritating regulations, but most times they are “betterment” regulations and stop some later problem from occurring. In my example above, the young lady had a “temporary” item which is still operating (and still temporary), but acceptable because it is plain to see how it will lead to permanency. Her city’s authorities agree with her for it’s continuance. Opportunity is alive and well in just about every city in this country! Go get your dreams started. Go observe others. And if need be, go where you can do your thing! 

Thanks for reading, the Elder