The cover story of your May issue ("Ready
to Rumble") did a fine job of discussing the current
economic recovery. Unfortunately, this analysis probably
doesn't mean much for many of your readers. By nature,
entrepreneurs are unconventional. They do not wait for a green
[light] from government statistics, university professors or
outplacement firms.
Some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs and
companies started in terrible economic climates. Do you think Bill
Gates founded Microsoft after reading about "the new realities
of American business"?
Leading a winning business is all about getting out in front of
everyone else, not to mention [ignoring] outdated statistics and
analysis. If you haven't started following your dream because
of dismal venture capital or rising health insurance costs, you
might not be an entrepreneur. Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson
said: "This time, like all times, is a good one if we but know
what to do with it."
Benjamin J. Kwitek
InterForm Inc.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Food for Thought
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I found your cover article on "The
Low Carb Craze" (May) not only inspiring, but also useful.
I am launching a restaurant and have already been planning to
incorporate some low-carb meal options into my restaurant's
menu. I want to give people on low-carb diets as many delicious
dining options as non- dieters. However, your article gave me some
great ideas for ways to go above and beyond this. It inspired me to
investigate how I can potentially add a line of low-carb food
products, including versions of menu items, to be sold at our
restaurant and possibly at retail stores at some later date as the
business expands. I plan to brand these products with the
restaurant name. Thanks for providing such great business ideas
every month.
Michael Fernandez
Buena Park, California
Value Added
Thank you for the inspiring stories on the outstanding women
featured in the June
"Extra." There was a common thread throughout the
profiles. Each of these entrepreneurs knew the power of publicity
and the critical role it plays in the success of even the smallest
business. If we want people to value our skills, we must first show
that we value ourselves—by making sure our accomplishments
(as well as our products and services) are visible to targeted
audiences. If we want people to buy from us and invest in our
companies, they have to know who we are, what we have accomplished,
and why they should do business with us! Personal publicity is a
valuable business tool that all entrepreneurs must add to their
strategies for success.
Marion E. Gold
Chicago
Honor Roll
I received my copy of Entrepreneur in the mail on Friday,
and, to my surprise, Toner Machining Technologies is ranked No. 72
("Hot
100," June). I can't thank Entrepreneur enough.
We read your magazine every month, and we are just so happy to be
listed in such a great magazine, especially one that we enjoy
reading so much-what an honor.
We've also been in contact with our local paper, and they
are going to do a cover story about us in a couple of days.
Southeastern Industrial magazine is also going to do a cover
story about us in July. Thank you very much for everything.
Jim Toner
President
Toner Machining Technologies
Morganton, North Carolina