The Debate

I just finished watching the debate. There was more talk about small business and how they as the next president was going to help us. In my opinion, I'm considered a small-small business. How has the government helped me in trying to keep my shop open? They have hurt me and others more than they've helped. 1) by letting CEO's of major company's bring home paychecks totaling over 70million dollars (then they ask for a bail out). 2) by making it harder to get a line of credit. 3) letting gas prices skyrocket. Just today I saw an interview of a business owner saying the bank was putting a hold on his line of credit, and he didn't know how he could say afloat after 30 days. I've ran my business for 14 years without a line of credit. I'm thankful that I don't have to worry about coming up with money for a payment.
I believe that the vast majority of our law makers don't have slightest ideal what a small business owner goes through each and every day. The worry, the stress, the what if's. Waking up in the middle of the night knowing that your accounts receivable is over $2500 and your customers are not in a hurry to pay for the goods that you delivered on time as promised. In most business your customers will pay for the goods as they receive them. But floral shops are a bit different. 95% of my accounts receivable are from my customers within a 10 mile radius of my shop. Yet they fail to make their payments on time. Even though their invoice stated--accounts over 30 days will be charged a $2 late fee. Right now I have some accounts that are over 90 days. I continue to send out invoices and make phone calls and it falls on deaf ears. You would be surprised by those folks who will finally pay their bill but fail to include the late fee...what about the envelopes, paper, ink, stamps and my time to continue to mail invoices when it takes months to collect.
When I started this blog I ask what or how the government was going to help the small business.....well, I believe that helping a small business starts with the community--being respectful and paying your bill on time and supporting them and not driving out of town and paying more for goods and services. When what you were needing was right in your community. Yes, there is a lot that the government can do to help the mom and pop shop's stay afloat. They are the backbone of this country.