Hello, it's me, I was wondering, if after all these months, you'd like to read my business column once again?
I thought it fitting to begin the first column I've written in 15 months by playing on Adele's lyrics. While I am no diva, Adele and I do share a few other things in common.
We both spend far too much time dreaming about who we used to be when we were younger and free. Oh, and she also took a lengthy hiatus from creative self-expression after having a baby.
Here's hoping that I can channel some of Adele's sleep-deprived tenacity on my way to a smash hit weekly column.
Hello indeed.
It is good to be back.
After this extended break, I feel freshly inspired to provide The Citizen readers with some thought-provoking reflections on business. More than just reminding or educating you on business protocols and process, I look forward to uncovering local business secrets that will provide best practices for Prince George businesses and beyond. I've also had over a year to chew upon old bones, issues and practices that bother me to no end, but, for which I believe, there is a possible solution. Never one to complain without offering an alternative, you won't catch me whining endlessly about how things are done. Well, there may be a little w(h)ine, but it will be in a glass half full, not half empty.
And there will always be solutions, so many solutions.
For those bored by business, I understand your pain. I shared the same outlook at one time.
Many years ago, I habitually skipped the business section of the newspaper and used The Economist as fire starter. My eyes would glaze over when friends began talking about financials or economic forecasts. But the point when things changed was when I began to consider the local impact of business.
Forget the global market, consider instead the farmer's market.
Drop the multinationals, pick up the local independent entrepreneurs. Why read about Wall Street when you can read about George Street? By adopting a local perspective, business became relevant and I was interested in learning more.
So this is where it starts, really.
By reading a local business column, written by a woman with three kids, a black-belt in Taekwondo, and no MBA. If someone like me, with a background void of any entrepreneurial sensibilities, can start a business, manage a chamber of commerce and write a weekly business column, certainly everyone is capable of developing an appreciation for the art of business. Hopefully my musings on the topic will challenge the experts, encourage the cynics and ignite the disinterested.
Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
