From: Barbara Lamar (shabrika@juno.com)
Date: Sun Sep 17 2000 - 17:38:19 MDT
> Just out of curiousity, show of hands: How many here have worked or
> are
> working for startups? I've worked for two so far.
Since 1983, first as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) later (1986) as
a lawyer/CPA, I've worked with clients to set up and run small
businesses. In 1994 I turned most of my clients over to my partner and
semi-retired to the country, keeping only a few of my favorite clients
and doing mostly accounting and tax related work (my law license is
currently inactive).
A friend of mine was recently telling me about an article he'd read that
concluded that one of the main reasons for failure of startups is lack
attention to accounting. I've never seen such an article; wish I could
find it. I've recently begun taking on a few new clients since the
severe drought in Texas seems to be forcing me from my hermitage and back
into society to some extent. Of all the paying jobs I've done, working
with small businesses is one of my favorite. Entrepreneurs are generally
delightfully optimistic, eccentric (in a good way), unpretentious people.
I love working with them.
I'm happy to say that most of my clients have stayed in business, though
most have gone through some rough times. I myself had an earlier
business that went under during the recession in the 80's. I've found
that rather than lessening my credibility as a business consultant, going
broke is almost like a rite of initiation.
For anyone contemplating a collaborative business venture, particular in
any rapidly changing industry, I'd recommend having a look at Peter
Small's books, *The Entrepreneurial Web* and *The Ultimate Game of
Strategy* (the latter is due to be released in November). Synopses at
http://www.avatarnets.com/
Barbara
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