Archive for May, 2014

Are You a Small Business Owner or an Entrepreneur?

A colleague sent me a link to an article from Entrepreneur.com explaining the difference, and wanted to know if I agreed.

I do agree with the distinctions.

Technically, most of us are not entrepreneurs, even though in our common conversations we tend to use the terms interchangeably.

Ultimately, however, these aren’t articles or topics that hold any interest for me whatsoever. It’s right up there with “leadership.”

It’s all a bunch of navel-gazing.

I am a small business owner and proud of it. And while I am not an entrpreneur, I do think small business owners can and do think and operate entrepreneurially in many ways.

Though, I feel the word “small” is a misnomer.

People tend to equate “small” with “low income.” And granted, many (most?) small businesses are not profitable and only earn a subsistence income.

However, there are thousands upon thousands of solopreneur businesses earning well into six figures and more. Personally, I prefer the label “boutique.”

I’m not trying to be an entrepreneur, rule the world, be a leader or create some multi-million dollar enterprise.

I want a business that is profitable, adds meaning and purpose to my life using my talents while serving others, and allows me to have a life and live richly beyond the business.

That’s it.

And if I can help others create the same kind of business and lifestyle I’ve been able to, that’s really all I care about.

The Industry Survey Is In!

Get the 2012-2013 Industry Survey Report

Results have been compiled and the annual industry survey report is now ready for you!

Since 2006, the Administrative Consultants Association has been conducting an annual survey of those in the administrative support business for the purpose of taking a representative group snapshot of the industry.

In 2010 we moved to a biennial reporting period. This year’s survey period ran from January 2012 through April 15, 2014, with 97 questions and 500 respondents.

The survey report covers the categories of:

  • Individual Demographics
  • Education, Experience & Credentials
  • General Business Demographics
  • Tools & Equipment
  • Employees & Subcontractors
  • Clients
  • Hours
  • Services
  • Marketing
  • Pricing
  • Success, Profitability & Entrepreneurship
  • Training & Continuing Education

This year’s report is 101 pages and chock-full of helpful, fascinating, eye-opening data.

If you’ve participated before, you’ll find it super interesting to compare with previous years’ results.

Purchase here. Price: $19