Pittsburgh Business Times
I was recently featured in an article in the Pittsburgh Business Times entitled “Chilly economy makes some catch entrepreneurial spirit.” It was a great piece written by reported Beth Murtagh that examines the impact today’s tough economic climate is having on early-stage entrepreneurs. The premise of the article is that entrepreneurship may prove to be on the rise as talented people lose their jobs, but the journey will be as challenging as ever.
Of course, we started this thing before September 15th, 2008, when the bottom fell out in a way that all of us could see. In many ways, we started this thing (back in July 2006 and full-time in September 2007) in the first place because we sensed that the bottom was on it’s way to falling out. A nation cannot live beyond its means any more than individuals and families can. At Skill-Life, we’re focused on building financially savvy kids and communities.
We haven’t talked much about the economic crisis here. Perhaps, we will begin to use this blog more to give commentary on the financial issues of the day. Such issues are certainly relevant to the work we’re doing. Even more, the economic crisis has pointed clearly to a dire need and growing market for financial education. We have to find effective, creative, and far-reaching ways to teach our youth, in particular, about money. Enter CentsCity.
During the interview with Ms. Murtagh, I recall asking that she not paint a dire portrait of Skill-Life’s present status and our sense of the journey ahead. In many ways, I don’t think about how hard it is these days. It is certainly getting harder to grow this company than what it seemed to be last year this time. But this constant refrain of how much the sky is falling is not especially helpful and, I believe, a self-fulfilling pessimism.
For Skill-Life, it just means that we have to build a better business and better product. And isn’t that just how it should be? I believe, passionately and purposefully, that our mission puts us in the right place at the right time. We’re building value where it’s needed. We’re pushing ahead and climbing higher.
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