We live in a super-cluttered world where no one has time for anything. We’re bombarded with text messages, TV commercials, billboards, and online ads, and so companies need to know what they stand for. It’s a fact that you cannot remember more than three television commercials in a row, let alone recall the design of your average business card unless they manage to rise above the cacophony and stand out in a way that’s completely relevant.
Despite what antigovernment conservatives say, non-defense discretionary spending on areas like foreign aid, education and food safety was not a driving factor in creating the deficits. In fact, such spending, accounting for only 15 percent of the budget, has been basically flat as a share of the economy for decades. Cutting it simply will not fill the deficit hole.
Our buddy Paul Thiel publishes a deal sheet for ‘the best of what’s around’ in Southern California. We’re happy to offer it to our readers. Check it out.
The word content is confusing enough as it’s bantered around these days, but it’s also difficult for many small business owners to come up with a big picture view of the role content plays in the acquisition of clients.
Like Teach For America, VFA will bring promising college graduates to work in underserved communities for at least two years. Startups that focus on up-and-coming industries (i.e. education innovation, energy, biotechnology) will be offered a VFA fellow for a salary of $32,000 to $38,000 annually. At the end of the two years, the companies can opt to hire fellows under new terms.
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:
Marty Keller, who has been Governor’s Small Business Advocate for the last four years, is resigning. This is not good news as Marty has been a tireless advocate for small businesses in our state. Despite many setbacks and obstacles, Marty never quit reaching out to our community, while speaking truth to power about our situation and our needs.
Good luck, Marty. We know we’ll see you again in better circumstances. Keep your chin up! – Ed.
Marty’s letter:
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:
It’s time to stop looking for “recovery” (as in ways to resurrect this drooling zombie of an industrial economy) and start seeding transformation (as in building a 21st century economy, that turns most or all of the toxic dynamics above upside down). It’s time to stop thinking about getting back to yesterday’s prosperity — and time to start thinking about how to get past it.
Dispatches From The Front 