Dear Small Business Owner,

You left a six figure income as an engineer or pharmaceutical rep to pursue the dream of working for yourself. You always wanted to open your own vintage wine shop, a trendy retail store or BBQ restaurant. You have a passion for food and wine and you believe there is no way you could fail – after all, you love what you want to sell.  You are a hard worker who was highly successful at your former career and you think how easy this will be! I will retire by age 55!

Did you know you have the same story as a majority of all small business owners? Listen up!  According to the U.S. Small Business Association over 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years. Why? What goes wrong?

Author Michael Ames gives the following reasons for small business failure:

1. Lack of experience

2. Insufficient capital (money)

3. Poor location

4. Poor inventory management

5. Over-investment in fixed assets

6. Poor credit arrangements

7. Personal use of business funds

8. Unexpected growth

9. Competition

10. Low sales

This list is not meant to intimidate you, but to put things into perspective. I thrive on offering people like you marketing advice. I decided to start this blog to offer small businesses free advice and prevent you from the same demise as the other 50%.  I have been a freelance marketing consultant, guest speaker and marketing strategies guru for 7+ years and I will be offering tips and tools to help you swim with the sharks— your competitors and the economy!