02/ 11/ 2008
by Rex Hammock, Editor and Publisher
Almost every day for the past 20 years, I've read the business section of one or more major newspapers (or, more recently, their Web sites) to keep up on the economic trends and conditions that could affect my business. But no matter how prepared I try to be, I've noticed that my ups and downs don't always coincide with the trends I read about in the news.
Spending time learning about national or industry trends is important, but there are some things you just can't predict.
The three NFIB members featured in the "Surviving the Slump" article on page 34 learned this lesson firsthand. In this issue of MyBusiness, we're using their stories to examine how best to handle some of the most common business challenges that can crop up unexpectedly, from losing a key employee or client to finding yourself in competition with a big-box chain.
One challenge we all face is affording our tax bill each year. If you're like most small-business owners, no matter how hard you work or how well you plan, getting hit with a steep bill is hard to stomach. In this edition's Issue at Hand feature on page 28, we explore how NFIB is tackling the alternative minimum tax as well as other tax-reform measures to help you keep more of your money.
A common trait among small-business owners who always find ways to navigate unexpected (or unwelcome) challenges is a positive and passionate attitude regarding their work. Those who find their jobs fulfilling tend to find a way through any hurdle that pops up. In the article "Life's Work" on page 40, we take time to reflect on the importance of finding this critical but often overlooked key to a successful business … and a fulfilling life.
