Friday, July 16, 2010

There is Always Opportunity

I forgot something. For the past several months, I have been biting my lip, resisting the temptation to go off on tangents and dilute the potential usefulness of the information in this blog. Of course, personal finance is a huge topic, and my humble blog is only intended to be a starting point for you, a basic introduction.

But amidst all the recent economic turmoil and insecurity, I have rediscovered something that I think is worth mentioning. There is always opportunity. All around you. In countless forms. And not just for established tycoons and lottery winners, but for you and for anybody else who has the creative vision and guts to go for it. Almost every country in the world now operates as a free market; indeed everything our society has amounted to came about through entrepreneurial risk taking.

Yes, it's a scary time to be adrift in turbulent economic currents. Yes, it's a scary time to be passively invested, or to be passively employed, hoping that your gig doesn't end abruptly. But there are winners in every economic cycle, even during major downturns. Instead of passively going along with "business as usual", try looking for an unmet demand that you can serve.

For example, during the Great Depression of the 1930's, record sales and small-combo work declined dramatically, but in response to the public's desire to escape from their hardship through recreation, many musicians adapted by commercializing their music, and the swing dance craze took off.

I have heard that fast food restaurants are doing very well these days, as an affordable (if not very healthy!) alternative to sit-down restaurants. A friend of mine runs a solar power company, and he's busier than ever now, as governments and businesses are virtually throwing money at alternative-energy sources.

Open your mind to the possibilities. Very often, economic downturns are a great time to start a business, due to lowered entry costs and decreased competition. Instead of squirreling money away in a 0.1% interest savings account out of fear, you could be taking charge of your own future and earning great returns if you identify an opportunity and put in the work to make it happen. Especially if you are young and have time to build your dream business, investing in yourself might be the best possible investment you can make.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great article! ...now I need to go find my niche

Anonymous said...

I agree. But I'm glad we're doing this today, instead of before the internet. Connecting with other musicians and learning from their mistakes is pretty easy to do. So I'm really liking this blog.

I am finding there's always ways to promote yourself for free as well. I went on this site, 'got a gig page'... and listed all my gigs FOR FREE.

So, there.... I'm paying it forward too!

CD\Works said...

The Government has taken away the majority of the NEA grant money. Finding the money for yourself has become somewhat easier thanks to the internet and 'Starter' campaigns. It is possible to DIY, just as you probably had to secure college funding. Approach it with the same enthusiasm and verve. There are people out there who are willing to pony up for the right musician or band. Of course,if all else fails... there is alway bank robbery.

Check out some other ideas in our blogosphere....
http://blog.cdworks.com

sound slates said...

I truly like to reading your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a nice information.

Anonymous said...

This info you provided in the blog that was really unique I love it!!! the credit people