Small Town Rules

My first trip to SXSW Interactive conference, I attended a session that put the spotlight on the advantages a small town entrepreneur had in a bad economy.

I made it a priority to go to this session because I learn and value the information that Becky McCray’s imparts via her blog.

While sitting in the audience I noticed it was different to other sessions. Before the session started, Becky and Barry Moltz interacted with the audience. They also started the session by having everyone introduce themselves to the attendees.

The perspective I got from that session confirmed once again key similarities of how most places in Puerto Rico have a small town mentality. Before leaving the session, Becky gave me a small Bottle of My favorite Liquor, Jack Daniel’s with her Business Card. It was a great way to make her business card stand out.

When I found out the duo where launching a book, I quickly added it to my need to read list.

Video Review

After reading “Small Town Rules” I have to say I was able to dig deeper into the conversations started in Becky’s multiple blog posts and in the session the day I met her at SXSWi.

I also learned many key elements of having a productive small town mentality.

Small Town Rules starts off by explaining why small town entrepreneurs have an advantage over other entrepreneurs. They mention how having a first understanding of managing multiple lines of income, thinking long term, maintaining frugality, creating communities, and most importantly building local connections will give any entrepreneur or business an advantage.

Many of the lessons learned, I have set in my short term goals which will positively impact my future goals.

Becky and Barry do a great job explaining how the shifts in the economy, technology, and society are impacting many aspects of the economy.

Planning for Zero

The lesson I got the most value from the book was how Small Town Entrepreneurs plan for Zero. The reason I survived after 4 years on my own is because I got better at planning for Zero. My last big project ended in August of 2010. I planned for Zero and I have been able to keep my family and business afloat for all these months. Know when people ask me how I have been able to stay afloat I can reference “Small Town Rules”.

Breaking away from some myths

A myth mentioned in small town rules is how some managers think that sales will follow marketing efforts. It is explained as the rain following the plow; I see this mistake way too often. The book focuses on the fact that to get results you need to establish and nurture healthy relationships.

I highly recommend “Small Town Rules”. Let the 7 key tips in “Small Town Rules” serve as a guide to any executive or entrepreneur.

What are the Small Town Rules?

source → http://smalltownrules.com/media/

The Change in the Economy

Rule 1. Plan for zero. There will be tough years ahead.

Rule 2. Spend creative brainpower before spending dollars.

Rule 3. Multiply lines of income to diversify your risk.

The Change in Technology

Rule 4. Work anywhere, anywhen through technology.

Rule 5. Treat customers like community.

The Change in Society

Rule 6. Be proud of being small.

Rule 7. Build your local connections.

As I revamp my business, I will keep Small Town Rules nearby to help me tweak my business model.

If you strive to become a better citizen with the purpose of improving your community reading this book is a must.

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