May 21, 2018 – Start-up and established business owners are learning to overcome the challenges they face with putting short and long-range planning on the back burner. Entrepreneurs are known to be the visionaries of the business world, and whether the vision is of a small enterprise, a work from home operation, or a Fortune 500 corporation, they must be willing to accept the risk and become the creator – often a 15-plus hour a day creator. As he or she develops the plan to execute those dreams and visions, they must also think about who will manage the business, and the Cooperative Extension Program is serving the community with the advice entrepreneurs greatly need.

Beginning a small business by offering services or producing products with a regional focus can undoubtedly lead to financial independence and longevity. So, for budding entrepreneurs who can use some helpful tips, here are a few of the necessary characteristics that have been conveyed by county agents in the tri-county region of Zavala, Dimmit, and Uvalde counties to small business owners:

  • Be Flexible – willing to learn, put in the necessary time and energy, and make the best use of the knowledge gained while NEVER letting setbacks stop you from meeting goals.
  • Be Collaborative – learn how to effectively delegate tasks within the organization to those best qualified and build internal and external relationships.
  • Be Proactive – continue to look for opportunities to improve and to implement marketing strategies that will allow your services or products to stand out.
  • Be Self-Reliant – rather than working for someone else, you must believe in having control of your own future.
  • Be Accessible – customers want and need things quickly, so the owner should be willing to ensure services and or products are delivered timely.
  • Be Energetic – business owners must have a high level of energy because hours are long, yet fruitful. Remember, it is YOUR money at risk.
  • Be Daring – launching a business is risky and nothing is certain, however, with the proper planning and fine-tuned expertise, success can be attained.

These tips as suggested by Cynthia Measom, a Texas-based writer and editor specializing in personal finance and business, have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs in the South Texas region on their path to business success. Find more tips like these in the Cooperative Extension Program’s monthly column of the Zavala County Sentinel.

 

Submitted by Phyllis R. Varnon
CED Extension Agent, Zavala, Dimmit, Uvalde Counties
(830) 374-2883
prvarnon@pvamu.edu