Why so hard to start a new business?

[Maystrong]

Why is it so hard to start a new business down here? We packed it up & moved here with lots of energy, ideas and entrepreneurism running through our veins. No one here seems to want to do business. Suppliers don't return phone calls, nor do landlords! All the for sale & for lease empty properties around here...seems like business people would want more business! So frustrated!

 

[Lynnie]

Why is it so hard to start a new business down here? We packed it up & moved here with lots of energy, ideas and entrepreneurism running through our veins. No one here seems to want to do business. Suppliers don't return phone calls, nor do landlords! All the for sale & for lease empty properties around here...seems like business people would want more business! So frustrated!

What type of business have you started? I will help you network.
On real estate, some properties could be in foreclosure or close - maybe shortsales are being negotiated..... Need more info., though.

And, good luck!

 

[SHELLY]

...money talks. If you have rock-solid, pre-approved credit and cash, you can do anything.

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[GoodWitch58]

did you do market research on whatever product/service you are offering before you "packed up and moved?" What did you find?

 

[Maystrong]

What type of business have you started? I will help you network.
On real estate, some properties could be in foreclosure or close - maybe shortsales are being negotiated..... Need more info., though.

And, good luck!

Well aware of all the foreclosures, etc. We're looking to lease retail space, so of which is already in foreclosure, and the banks appear to be very content to just sit on property and just continue to let the taxpayer's bail them out!

 

[Maystrong]

...money talks. If you have rock-solid, pre-approved credit and cash, you can do anything.

.

Just not finding that to be true. Have some cash and don't want debt, but there's just no takers!

 

[Maystrong]

did you do market research on whatever product/service you are offering before you "packed up and moved?" What did you find?

Lots of need for missing services down here! And one of the things we were so impressed with was the seemingly openess of the community to new people and business. One would think if you are standing on their doorstep with checkbook in hand, leases wouldn't be so hard to come by! We've got a mecca of ideas/plans, but it's just been hard to get even one of them rolling!

 

[NotDeadYet]

And one of the things we were so impressed with was the seemingly openess of the community to new people and business. One would think if you are standing on their doorstep with checkbook in hand, leases wouldn't be so hard to come by! We've got a mecca of ideas/plans, but it's just been hard to get even one of them rolling!

There is a peculiar kind of inertia here. It almost seems contradictory, because that openness also exists here. But follow-through is sometimes hard to come by. Without getting all air-headed :roll: about this, I sometimes think it's karmic, sort of an anti-vortex ;-). Or, it just might be beach time, and too many relaxing ions drifting in from the Gulf. Keep plugging away. Take all promises to return calls, make a deal, etc., with the proverbial grain of salt. Doing business here can be tough, but it can be done.

 

[30abob]

I came here a little over two years ago, well after the "milk & honey" had ceased to overflow, and have been very happy with the local business climate. I have also found our target market to be very receptive to new entrants.

I'm not currently in the retail sector but have owned/operated a retail business in the past. In my personal experience landlords are impressed with three things only; operating capital, likelihood of success, and to a lesser degree - potential conflict/compliment to existing tenants. My advice is to ask one or two of the landlords who have been uninterested to provide some "feedback for improvement". Just make sure that you thank them for their input and resist the temptation to change their opinion - that always sounds like sour grapes. You never know what someone else really thinks about your concept/idea until you invite/allow them to honestly tell you what they DON'T like about it. It doesn't mean that their opinion is correct but remember that landlords mostly think alike (and most of them don't think like business operators).

 

[Mango]

Beasette,I hope you keep plugging because coming from New York, where everyone is harried and wants it yesterday, buying at the beach and conducting business was at first difficult for me because the pace was different. Like Here4Good said, beach time is a different animal all together.

Having said that, I eventually met many professionals in all industries there that have exceeded my expectations. They return phone calls promptly, are astute, intelligent and have excellent business acumen.

Perhaps you may want to post what services you are looking for and ask that you be sent a private message. Many busy professionals peruse this site and respond to posters.

Good luck and keep a chin up. Sowal needs an infusion of folks like y'all and potential employment opportunities.