Rodent Regatta

There’s an interesting link from Digital Web Magazine to Speak Up. The topic is the money earned by designers, a recent salary survey and the discussion broadens quite a bit from there.

One thing in particular became apparent as I read the comments. There is little discussion of the actual exchange of value between employee and employer or designer and client or design firm and client. There are fundamental reasons that teachers make less than professional athletes. We may not like those reasons, but they are a part of our culture and societal preferences.

Generally, we earn by providing goods or services in exchange for money. When enough people decide they’d rather have what we are offering than the money they are holding, an exchange is made. It may be a matter of conscience, but more people are prepared to exchange their money for what Britney Spears is offering than they are for what the third grade teacher is offering. It may be sad on one level, but the exchange of value is reality.

The largest lawn mowing franchise in the world is growing at a rate of 15% per year. [Business Opportunities Weblog]

With more than 5700 Dairy Queens in the USA, Berkshire Hathaway is gearing up the advertising as it has at other subsidiaries such as Geico, NetJets and Fruit of the Loom.

Many potential owners of new small businesses overlook the notion of ”know your industry.” Others believe that knowledge of an industry provides them knowledge of all industries. Take a look at what Business Opportuntities Weblog has to say.

Do you need to know what questions to answer before you start your own business? Business Opportunities Weblog takes you to a list of them.

• * * UPDATE * * * You’ll also find information about getting customers and what an investor-ready business plan is all about.