If you lost everything in your business, would you rebuild? Could you rebuild? Ruth Ann and Bob Wedel lost almost every single thing in their bulk foods business in Greensburg, Kansas, to the May tornado that flattened the town. This was supposed to be their retirement business. They successfully built it up from just the…
Rural facts from the rural UK: In 2005 the average rural business employed 6 employees. This compares with 16 employees in urban firms. The three-year survival rate of enterprises registering in 2002 in rural areas was 76% (6% higher than urban districts). The UK is addressing rural issues with a Commission for Rural Communities. They…
Most regular readers know that Becky and I made a trip to Greensburg, Kansas this week. Now a pair of bright orange and yellow fishing bobbers sits on my desk as a reminder of Charlie. So I have to tell you about him. Charles R “Charlie” Jones is a fisherman. Not just any fisherman, he…
Two months ago, Greensburg, Kansas, was flattened by a tornado. “Seems like it was forever ago,” resident Ruth Ann Wedel said. The town’s 1500 residents have been scattered. A few are still living in town. Most have moved in with friends and relatives in nearby towns. Some are in town daily or weekly struggling with…
Writing about The Dip and The Long Tail triggered some additional thoughts for rural entrepreneurs. Here are two basic strategies to successful small town small biz. 1. Be a generalist. This is the Long Tail, kinda. Because you are in a limited market, you have to offer a very broad range of products or services….
Is your small business growing? Do you have a vision to keep your town growing? Consider entering the Small Businesses, Big Dreams contest at IKEA Business and you could get the chance to redesign your business.This is a community contest. You and nine other local businesses need to cooperate to enter a video explaining your…
Our Friend Steve Rucinski asks about entrepreneurs: Entrepreneur seems to be the hottest buzzword going around, the hero, the savior of economies worldwide. How do we spot one when we see one? How do we spot youngsters and support them in their journey to business success? Steve asks because he is involved in a startup…
Two UK companies are working together to award the Young Rural Entrepreneur of 2007. I love this!Our Friends at the Business Opportunities Blog caught this story. The two companies are Lycetts (insurance) and The Field (magazine). The prize is £10,000. The age limit is 35. The focus is on rural businesses that are giving back…
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