The Art and Science of Owning a Small Business

Did you know there are upwards of 100,000 small businesses in San Diego County? According to the government specifications small businesses are those who hire 100 or less employees. 53 percent of these businesses have less than 4 employees…This is the core of our small business community and the backbone of our economy. In 2009 nearly 1,300 businesses closed their doors in Carlsbad. I have a few questions for you: Do you shop at small independent businesses near your home? Do you try to support them? With the current economic situation how far do you drive to get a better price in a neighboring city? Please email me your answers or call us on the phone line provided here. Some of the most taunting problems small businesses face are: where and how to apply for loans? How to run the business? How to be an effective business owner and motivate the employees? How to hire and fire employees? My interview last week with Karen Kampf one of the two women who own Kyss Boutique in Bressi Village Shopping Center proved to be a very popular one. I received many calls and feedback from our listeners who wanted to hear more. The issues you asked about ranged from how to apply for business license to how to manage the stress of owning a small business. When I read your questions I remembered my good friend of many years JoAnne Berg. A few months past she had invited me to join her online blog “The Art of Small Business,” which I did. I have been reading her blogs and enjoying her perspective on small businesses. I have to admit I have been very impressed with her vast knowledge on this issue. I’ll ask JoAnne about her business “Peer Coaching Network,” a program dedicated to small businesses by providing counseling and support to them. We will also discuss the meaning of family business, How not to run your small business, peer Coaching, Round table for business owners and many other topics.