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The Difficulties of a Bad Economy on Small Businesses

June 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Small businesses are the life-blood of an economy. They provide the most diverse variety of job opportunities to ensure individuals with all different skills and interests have a place of employment. Additionally, they also provide a unique blend of products and services which allow them to grow and continue hiring, even when times become difficult. However, due to the smaller size of these businesses, they are also more vulnerable to an ailing economy.

Unfortunately, when a recession occurs, small businesses are the first to get hit. This problem revolves around the fact that most small businesses do not have the resources and ability to stay afloat when sales slow down over an extended period of time. Larger companies have enough of a surplus as well as assets to sustain when a bump in the road becomes prevalent; this is simply not the case with small businesses.

When the economy begins effecting the spending of potential customers, the effects can become detrimental for small companies seemingly instantaneously. Depending on the strength of the company, as well as the management, lay-offs can begin occurring within a couple of months,. As small businesses begin laying off their employees, these employees might have difficulty finding a new job, and find they have to slow down spending to ensure they can cover their necessary expenses; such as bills. This can quickly create a snow-balling effect that helps contribute to and reinforce the recession, causing more lay-offs and drastic decreases in spending to the point where larger companies begin to feel the pinch.

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Fundraising: The Recession-Proof Career Option

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

With many people struggling with the continued effects of the economic downturn, everyone is looking for a line of work that is safe and secure from the ravages of layoffs. One field that may not be immediately obvious, but which provides a certain measure of security during difficult economic times, is fundraising. Also known as “Development,” this is an important administrative function of many organizations and draws on a diverse range of skills and interests.

Development workers may find themselves working in government, for corporations, for non-profit organizations, private foundation, and educational institutions. They may have all different functions, ranging from public relations to investment portfolio management to grant writing. Some fundraising jobs, such as short-term construction campaigns, may be intended to last for a short period of time while others may confer a longer-term position. Most jobs in the field of Development offer competitive wages and benefits packages, and those who are good at raising funds are particularly needed during times of budget cuts and declining prosperity. Here are just a few positions that you can find in the Development field:

  • Development Director: For those who have experience in fundraising. For outgoing individuals skilled at socializing with all kinds of prospective donors as well as members of the media. You will also need some understanding of budgeting, marketing, and public relations.
  • Marketing Manager: For individuals who have business and sales experience. This job is often very creative and involves the direction of fundraising campaigns through direct mail, social media, and other forms of outreach and promotion. If you know about finance but have an artistic bent, this is a good position for you.
  • Events Planner: Are you great at throwing parties? Do you love to think about color schemes, flatware, and event themes? If you are an extroverted person who loves to involve others in special occasions, and you thrive under pressure, this is an ideal job for you.
  • Grant Writer: Make your living as a writer. You should be interested in researching diverse funding sources, enjoy preparing written proposals, and be a friend of the written word.
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Education for Recession

January 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Almost everyone has been impacted in some way by the national economic slump that has had a deep hold over the past 2 years. Even with small decreases in unemployment, gains are slow. So, you may ask yourself, what can I do to provide security for my family and even have some chance of a fulfilling career, even in the midst of global economic turmoil? Well, as it turns out, there are two industries –”industries”– that tend to fare well even in times of trouble; healthcare and education. People see economic downturns as the perfect time to go back to school…and very often, they’re right in that assessment.

In times when employers have their pick of employees, they will choose the very best people who are available to them. And, the very best people have gotten more and more qualified as the years passed. Eighty years ago, graduating high school was optional, and if you did further your education that much–with a high school diploma–it was likely you could support a family on the job you got afterwards, at least if you were a man. Fast forward to the present day, and you’ll find that many employers are looking to make sure their entire team is composed of people who have a Bachelors degree–any Bachelors degree. For many jobs, this is the minimum requirement.

A Bachelor’s degree shows employers that you had the discipline to accomplish something, to see it through even though it was long and difficult. The very fact that you have one may be more important than where it came from, whether that was a state school, the Ivy League, or an accredited online programs. Of course, for the very best jobs, even more education is usually required. With an advanced degree, the jobs you’re seeking will become more specific, but also more prestigious–and of often more rewarding.

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