Where's your entrepreneurial spirit?

Black Enterprise, June, 2009 by LaTosha Johnson

EARL "BUTCH" GRAVES JR. SAID THAT corporations often look at layoffs as the first line of defense in reducing costs, (Executive Memo, March 2009). This should force us to realize that we can no longer rely on being employed with companies for long periods of time. In order to keep us from being a part of this increasing statistic, I would like to see more articles discussing the steps that some of the people you write about took in order to be successful in their endeavors. I realize times are extremely difficult, but it's important to take this opportunity to look at the bright side of this situation. I believe that now is the perfect time for people to consider becoming entrepreneurs. It will provide them with financial and job security, freedom, and an opportunity to pursue their interests on a full-time basis.

Some people may feel that becoming an entrepreneur at this time is a risk, but if you have done your due diligence (i.e., conducted market research) and cannot obtain any of these benefits as an employee--who is truly taking the risk?

LaTosha Johnson

Lombard, IL

ljohnson@targetstars.com