dealing with business loss

[Adri]

Re: dealing with business loss

Hellbent, I'm sorry about the closing of your shop. Would you consider opening another business or do you want to be an employee with a (hopefully) steady paycheck? I hate hate hate the job application process but I agree with Fat Jeff and Auntie. You have a lot of good skills and experience having run your own business and letting people who know you know that you are in the market for a job may be the best way to find one that's a good fit. But, depending upon your financial situation, you may just want to take a job to tide you over until something really good comes along or you may want to hold out for a job that will be permanent. Good luck!

[Pomai]

Re: dealing with business loss

You might wanna' call up the good people at SCORE Hawaii. My father was the former online chapter chairperson until he passed, of which he always spoke highly of their counselors' ability to help people in situations such as yours.

SCORE is a FREE service in partnership with the SBA.

[scrivener]

Re: dealing with business loss

You owned Superconnected?

[1stwahine]

Re: dealing with business loss

Hellbent, As a former Business Owner to another. You have the skills. You have the background. You have the heart. You are Valuable. There are companies looking for people like you. Computer Technology is in. You hold several keys in which others only dream of.

Don't settle for less.

Good Luck and God Bless!

Auntie Lynn

[Fat Jeff]

Re: dealing with business loss

Hellbent...sorry that things didn't work out. I'm a small business owner and I know the above and beyond commitment it takes to run one. Lot's of sacrifice with sometimes little reward. After 20 years of pulling things along I sometimes fanticize about being "just an employee" again.

As for the aftermath, I suggest that you network, network, network. Beginning with everyone you know. Let them know you are back in the labor pool and ready to put your skills to use. Some employers might think of you as "damaged goods" (as in you'll never be able to be a nice follow my directions employee again). Truth is it's the willingness to go above and beyond that drives us, entrepenuer or employee...it's hardwired. Simply put, you'll work harder than most. With your business experience you have several distinct skill sets to market. More skills should make you more marketable, and in a tight labor market you should land on your feet soon.

Now that you'll likely be down to 40ish hours a week instead of 80, I suggest you take some of that time to re-introduce yourself to your family and friends and spend some time persuing your intrests.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

[Hellbent]

i just shut down my store. it was an internet gaming cafe that was open for almost 4 years. i wanted to continue it, but just couldnt afford it anymore. we did everything, pc repair, websites, internet gaming on 18 computers. xbox, ps2, 360, gamecube gaming, dvd rentals, cell phones. friends thought the idea wouldnt work, and i guess in the end they were right. business wasnt bad, just not enough to float the boat.
ive noticed that alot of people here are intelligent, and are in business/were in business.
im now dealing with the aftermath of closing up shop.
how did you deal with day to day life and the transition from being business owner for years and looking for a job?
any comments are appreciated.