Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Okay, have you ever wanted to start your own business? I’m sure many of us have going back to the days when we had a lemonade stands or canvassed the neighborhood for lawn mowing and cleanup jobs. There is nothing like being your own boss and being in charge of what you do, not under the thumb of some disinterested superior.

However, with the satisfaction of self ownership comes the flip side of the coin, you are responsible for everything. You must be able to capitalize your venture, understand the nature of your market and be willing to put your whole heart and soul in to the project. Sleepless nights often come with the territory especially for new businesses. There is pressure to make it or break it on an intense level.

So why am I posing this question? Because the way this economy is staggering around today there are some pretty unique situations out there. If one has the right combination of money, time and knowledge this could be the time to try it. Of course we all know that money and credit are very tight commodities currently, but there are other factors that possibly can balance out that scenario. You’ve heard the term “location, location, location” being used to describe the first tenant of a successful business and in the Yachats, Waldport, Florence and Newport areas there are some terrific locations for new businesses. The bigger vacant stores no doubt will remain vacant until the economy swings back around to support the big ticket items like cars and furniture that occupied those spots but there are many smaller spaces for lease or rent that are in prime spots. Some have gone out of business for lack of business, others for a variety of reasons but perhaps, just perhaps, you had a desire to open up a specialty business taking advantage of the increasing awareness of the health and self sufficiency movement you might be on to something. It’s a gamble for sure, but in tough times the Americans still want to take a chance and it comes down to either taking advantage of the good and going for it, or withdrawing into a shell fearing to make a move. People aren’t going to stand pat and do nothing, there are many new niche markets being developed right now, you know necessity is truly the mother of invention, and I’d suggest if you have a plan, some faith in that plan and a little bit of financial wherewithal, this is the time. There was one guy on the news that took his used car lot location that wasn’t doing anything and turned it into a take out restaurant and now that is expanding, he was in a high traffic area and highly visible. There are deals on property, deals on products, deals on expertise and deals on advertising rates. Granted it is a classic catch 22, lots of good things, but no cash to take advantage of it, but with a little work and research I’m betting that you could soon be in your own business. Small businesses are the backbone of communities and people realize that and seem willing to help.

We shall see, but I’m saying this is the time to make lemonade out of a lemon!!

To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net