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Show Real champions Small businessmen are special breed In addition to the suspicion aroused among the business community, Record editor Bruce Lee has rent his clothes in twain as he read this miniscule piece, certain in the purest journalistic sense of the phrase that I have "sold my soul." He warned me of such indignities when I made the switch from reporting into the fast-paced, high-pressured, big-dollar world of There's a special breed of cat that I would like to tip my hat to, a group that I've come to respect in many ways in the past several months since I have become involved in the advertising end of the Record the small businessman, or businessperson, if you prefer. The past several months have given me an education in economics, small business principles, advertising, marketing and financial management that I couldn't have obtained at any education of higher learning. Being on the streets, and working in a small business myself, the insight gained into the small entrepeneur and his operations has been fascinating and very beneficial. Before proceeding, let me assure you I can read your thoughts. These same people of whom I sing praises in print are right now scratching their heads and stroking their chins. "Old Cannon will go to any lengths to sell us ads," they're muttering. "If all else fails, he'll write sweet things about us in the paper to soften us up." world of the small entrepeneur, particularly par-ticularly in today's economy, that those willing to venture out 6n their own without lots of security or a guaranteed income deserve some credit in my book. Not all these hearty souls are brilliant, and not all succeed, but most work very hard and get out of their efforts close to what they put into them. Those not willing to make the sacrifices are quickly weeded out and find greater security elsewhere. That's not to say that everyone who leaves the business world or who falls short in their business ventures has failed or given up. Worthy and enjoyable en-joyable work is found in many areas. Yet, there is, as I've observed, a somewhat courageous spirit exemplified exem-plified by many in the world of business especially the small business. I guess the fascinating thing about the business world is that it leaves you naked, in the figurative sense. I sup- fBy Mike Cannon pose there are some professions that leave you naked period. But that's another chapter. I've recently found out upon tne working world that there's no hiding behind a degree. You cut it or you don't. You fail or succeed. Nobody cares a heck of a lot about your credentials or pieces of paper. That's not to downerade education or career training. I loved my college experience and feel it to be worth every cent invested in it and more. But there's no teacher like experience, with it's knocks, lumps, and often uncaring demands. It's starkley evident in the newspaper world. You meet the deadlines or else. The same principles hold true in many aspects pf any profession, including business. Those who can cope with these pressures and still maintain happy and successful families and other interests are real champions in my book. The honest businessman who doesn't hide behind religious pretense while cheating his neighbor is a man to be honored and admired. The pressures to do otherwise are very real, as I've witnessed. And I bare my balding head to the many gutsy, hard working and tine individuals who are still the backbone of our local economy and entire economic system the small businessmen. advertising. (In southern Utah? Get serious.) My soul has now been sold. Or is it my sole souled. Anyway, I'm not actually trying to damage my soul, shoes or otherwise. There is such an uncertainty in the |