During the economic downturn of the past several months, it is the small business owner who has endured the most hardship.
For the small business owner, layoffs are normally the last line of defense when times get tough. Instead, they typically take less themselves, so a few more people can stay on the payroll for as long as possible.
As the economy continues to recover, it is the small business employer who leads the way.
It was once said that "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be fixed with what's right with America." Reminding us that one constant thing that has been right with America is the dedication and the entrepreneurial spirit of small business.
Small business employers often work seven days a week. In many cases, they have no human resource department or legal team, or information technology staff or numerous other divisions that the larger organizations rely on daily.
Instead, they depend on family members and employees to help out when things are tight or something goes wrong. Small business owners are often president, vice president, bookkeeper and janitor. They stock the shelves, make the coffee and answer their phones. No job is too big or too small.
It is also the small business where outstanding customer service is still something you can count on. When you call one of these companies, the phone will most likely be answered by a real person that can help you or will direct you to someone that is interested in solving your problem. Small business owners understand that the person that answers the phone may be their most important employee. After all, it is all about customer service and relationships. It is also these businesses that will tend to look the other way when a good customer can't pay his bill on time because of a rough patch.
Small employers cannot hire a team of lobbyists and do not have the resources to monitor legislation. They know that government cannot make their company succeed, but can erode their ability to survive with excessive regulation and legislation that impedes economic growth.
We must keep in mind what small business needs from government:
An economic climate that encourages innovation and investment.
Regulation that is practical and not burdensome.
A tax system that serves to stimulate economic activity and job creation in the private sector.
Good public schools for an educated work force.
A legal system that protects the rights of the injured, but eliminates frivolous lawsuits.
Affordable health insurance; not socialized medicine!