A discussion about the process, steps and options of starting a new business

I don't even know what made me buy this piece.  I think it was sitting up on it's hind legs and tail when I looked at it, and I didn't realize what it would look like on all fours.  Once I got it into the store, I wondered what ever possessed me to purchase it and tried to disguise it's position any way that I could, such as putting it next to a plant so that it looked like it was eating.  It has been the butt of many jokes in the time that I owned it.

In spite of the fact that the consumer index is down and the mall has been practically devoid of customers this week, I still feel confident about store sales for the coming season.

One reason for that is I feel that I've learned to make better buying decisions as I talk more with my customers.  That was demonstrated by the fact that as I unpacked my latest purchases yesterday, 2 of those items were snapped up literally within minutes of my putting them on the shelf.  Hopefully I won't be repeating the type of bad buying decision that I made with the giraffe.

I read an interesting article on FloridaSmallBusiness.com about the lessons that 12 other entrepreneurs learned when they went into business for themselves.  Just as I did, Will Prather learned how important it is to listen to your customers.

Another reason I feel confident is that (x keeping fingers crossed x) the hurricane season has so far been quiet this year, which translates to more winter visitors.

And then, of course, there is the fact that I finally sold the pooping giraffe.  ;)