The economy: There’s little that small business owners think about more these days. And that makes me hark back to the iconic phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid!” which was the underlying message of Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign.
The phrase seems particularly timely this month, given the September Census Bureau report that the number of Americans in poverty jumped to 15.1 percent in 2010—the highest level since 1993. About 46.2 million people, or nearly one in six, are in poverty. That’s up from 43.6 million, or 14.3 percent, in 2009.
What’s an entrepreneur to do? For advice, we look to Tom Gardner, CEO of The Motley Fool, and our October Entrepreneur of the Month. Having been through several recessions, and rebounded to a position where he’s hiring at a surprising clip, Gardner provides us with insights and tips on what to do to hang tough in unsettling economic times.
Also this month: You’ll get great investment tips from LouAnn Lofton, author of Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl—And Why You Should, Too.
And remember what Warren Buffett advises: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy only when others are fearful.”
Here’s to your success! — Hope Katz Gibbs, Be Inkandescent
