By Jackie O’Neal

As thousands of jobs continue to be cut each month, and downsized workers find themselves on the unemployment line, entrepreneurship would appear to be an impossible pursuit. But some business owners don’t believe the entrepreneurial mindset should be disposed of too quickly- even amid a bleak economy.

It’s clear to me that in these difficult economic times, creativity which comes from God, appears to be operating even in the secular realm in the form of sound advice from business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs.

I asked a few sharp business owners to share the benefits of starting a small business in today’s slow economic climate, and I was surprised at how hopeful they sounded. It reminded me that no matter what happens in the economy or our lives, God is walking with us, and therefore we must never give up hope.

Ruth King, CEO of Ribbon knows “the days of consumption are over,” but she supports the idea of launching a new enterprise even in a slow economy.

“In today’s economy, customers need value. For entrepreneurs thinking of starting a new business, the key is to offer value- laden products or services that people need, and then find creative ways to deliver, or fulfill orders,” she said.

In terms of the kinds of enterprises to explore, she said finding a product or service one feels passionate about can be helpful, and once it is identified, offering potential customers a free trial can boost sales in the beginning phase. “It’s the puppy dog technique and a creative way to sell and prove value, just like when a store let’s you take a puppy home for a few days,” she said.

Some business owners told me that simplicity is key in planning new products or services, and I was impressed at the leanings toward the more simple, and innovative. I believe that simplicity invites humility, and whether running a business, or working, God is pleased with the having each of us practice simplicity, as we learn to be more humble knowing He is the architect of our lives.

Heather Villa, CEO of IAC Professionals and a Certified Management Accountant and Intuit QuickBooks Certified Pro Advisor, developed a simple to use, online bookkeeping tool, IAC-EZ that she felt would be recession proof.

“These days, it’s hard enough to turn a profit — the economic downturn is driving more and more people into business for themselves. So I developed a web-based application that is extremely straightforward and allows self-employed individuals and small-business owners to manage their own books without having to struggle, spend money or learn complex skills,” she said.

IAC-EZ is designed primarily for the millions and a rapidly growing number of independent contractors, freelancers and businesses with 5 or fewer employees. As a result of making the service cost-effective, she considers her product “a bail out for cottage industries.”

It’s inspiring how some business owners have used their God-given drive and creativity, to create viable business opportunities while keeping the less fortunate downsized in mind. To me, this attitude is still redolent of the Great Depression—when hard times led people to give each other a helping hand.

Like other small business owners, Rima McDonald, founder and publisher of Women’s Online Magazine, sees a “light and the end of the tunnel.” She’s offering a licensing opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs which she believes will be mainly comprised of downsized women. “I’ve created a new portal to accommodate multi-media, so the local publishers will definitely have an edge. My mission is to allow others to operate an online publication using its branding and business model that doesn’t depend on advertising entirely,” she said.

Julie Lenzer Kirk, co-founder of Path Forward International said one important strategy has to be firmly in place before starting a new business.” If you are filling a need that people are willing to pay for, offering solutions to problems, and then you are on the right track,” she said.

She said despite the economic climate today, small businesses still encourage innovation. “In the global economy, innovation is the way out,” she said.

Kirk said business will always experience cyclical changes and entrepreneurs should nurture a vision of “the bigger picture.” She said what mattered most was “finding a good business idea and partner.”

I agree with Kirk because we will always face trials and tribulations, and in life the best partner we can have is the Lord. He will lead us down all the right paths.

© Assist News