So, while I'm fighting to save my home (reference Tremont Social Capital Thread [1]) my personal and professional life have been severely suffering (duh).
I am a business owner in Tremont and I service Tremont, Ohio City, Near West Downtown, and Detroit Shoreway. My clients, subcontractors, and tenants have suffered this month as well because my eye is on my home, not on the business. I am, afterall, only one person.
My business is holding its own given the economic downturn. What is it missing is my focus this December to grab that infamous 80% of retail sales during the holiday season. The push is missing because I've been fighting for my home, and unable to market my business. Thank you City of Cleveland. Way to support your business and community leaders.
Then yesterday, I pick up the PD and read where Cleveland lacks brain power. [2] We need to hit the streets and recruit talent from the East and West Coast. Oh, and we're our own worst enemy as far as attitude, enthusiasm and morale go...
Hello?
Who is fostering that sentiment? The people commenting for the article? The firms that are supposed to be fostering business in Cleveland?
You are telling us as entrepreneurs that we must suck? Because you need to go elsewhere to find brain gain?
I'm a little salty and pissed off. No one has helped me with my business. These firms say I don't fit their target audience??? So my business is self funded and operates on its own. I have no credit. I have no mentor. In fact, I have no support systems. So when rain storms like today flood my shop? Oh yeah. It's me who has to fix it AND keep the money flowing.
How about catering to the talent that has chosen to stay on in this hardship we know as Cleveland? Where is the support and funding for those pioneers or hangers on? I've been told countless times to move my Concierge Service to Portland, L.A., D.C., etc. I've been offerend funding by investors to relocate to another city... But I choose to stay here...
And how about not insulting us when you haven't done your homework to know who is out here standing behind Cleveland and might I say... kicking a$$.