Orangeburg Deltas partner with Bank of America to host economic forum

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In an economy where an unbelievable amount of franchises are failing and companies are closing their doors left and right, many people are not sure they have what it takes to open a business and keep it afloat.

According to Orangeburg business owner Kenneth Middleton, the job of being an entrepreneur is not for everyone. He said it takes a special person, full of hard work and dedication to pull it off.

“An entrepreneur cannot be ordinary,” Middleton said while presenting at a Jan. 30 entrepreneurship workshop at the “Surviving In the Global Recession: The Road to Recovery” Economic Summit sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and Bank of America.

Middleton urged attendants to build a tough skin and prepare themselves for what he believes is one of the most challenging careers out there.

“Prepare to work harder than you have ever worked in your life and probably for less money,” Middleton said. “It’s a war every day. Are you up for it?”

The owner of Coldwell Banker Middleton and Associates Realtors told attendants that time is the most important resource that an entrepreneur has. When you waste time, you lose possible income, he said.

“Time is money. We have all heard that saying before, but it’s true,” Middleton said.

Middleton encouraged attendants to take risks and to not waste time being afraid.

“Take the risk of being wrong. You don’t have time to pause,” Middleton said. “I have way more failures than I have success, but I’m a warrior now.”

The workshop also focused on the importance of making a business plan before actually opening up business. Middleton said that if you do not analyze all the money, time, products and other factors that go into having a successful company, your business will fail.

“You have to run the numbers. Lay your foundation down, get a job, establish a base first,” Middleton said.

The entrepreneur workshop was one of many seminars and programs at the summit.

The summit also included a job fair, an essay contest, and a panel discussion that consisted of Bowman Sen. John W. Matthews Jr., Gregg Robinson of the Orangeburg Development Commission, David Coleman of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and Bernice R. Tribble of the Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association.

Each member of the panel delivered a short lecture addressing the issues of the economy and what is suggested that people do to improve lives during the recession.

Matthews suggested thinking critically about the ways in which money is spent and credit is handled.

“Money doesn’t come with directions,” Matthews said. “You have to learn how to use is and manage it.”

Other workshops included;

“Building Wealth During Economic Downturn” presented by Clente Flemming.

“Will Your Resume Get You Hired?” presented by Carolyn R. Snell.

“Are You Prepared for the Job Market?” presented by Joseph B. Thomas Jr.

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