The Entrepreneurs’ Organization released some findings from its 2nd annual Global Economic Survey today. Highlights include:

- Nearly nine out of ten global entrepreneurs are concerned about the current economic climate

- More than half of all entrepreneurs are very concerned or concerned about obtaining funding

- Seventy percent of U.S.-based entrepreneurs are concerned or very concerned about the rising cost of providing healthcare in 2009

- Seventy percent of surveyed entrepreneurs are highly confident or confident about surviving the economic crisis

- More than 80 percent of those surveyed believe that entrepreneurs will play a significant role in economic recovery

- One in five entrepreneurs is more likely to start a business now than they were last year, and more than half are equally as likely

- Almost half of respondents anticipate an increase in revenues in 2009, and a quarter expect revenue levels to remain the same as 2008

- Globally, more than a third of entrepreneurs surveyed will increase “green” initiatives, while 45 percent will maintain their current commitment level

- Nearly 60 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed will maintain their current commitment level and nearly a quarter will increase the priority of corporate social responsibility

- Forty four percent of global respondents anticipated that the Obama administration would have a positive effect on their businesses

- U.S.-based entrepreneurs are split regarding the new administration’s impact on their business: 39 percent expect a positive impact and 40 percent expect a negative impact

“Our annual survey reveals the business perspective of some of the world’s most successful small business owners, and the outlook for this year rings with a tone of optimism in the face of economic hardship,” says Dave Galbenski, Chairman of the Global Board of Directors for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. “Not only does this data help us provide maximum value to our members by allowing us to better customize our programs and resources to their needs, it serves as an outstanding global barometer for entrepreneurial concerns and priorities in the coming year.”

The one thing that stands out for us is the positiveness, despite the doom and gloom which is apparent at the moment. Half of entrepreneurs are equally as likely to start a business this year as there were last year. But then again, isnt this why we are entrepreneurs, we dont give up and we seize opportunities when we can. This is surely the classification of success.

Love life, Not just the weekends. You only have one life, Live it @ www.NicciAndLee.com

There is a story of a black door, a young man and a Persian general.

The young man, it is said, was a prisoner of war, and the general was a very fair man. When the day arrived to decide the fate of the prisoner, the general had him brought before him. The young man was certain of death, but the general generously gave him two choices. On the young man’s left was a firing squad, guns poised ready. On the right was a plain white wall with a large black door in the middle of it. The young man was given leave to determine his fate, the firing squad or the black door.

The young man made his choice and in a short while a volley of shots rang out and the prisoner crumpled to the ground. The general shook his head and commented to his aide that in all his years he had seen only a few men choose the black door. May I ask, sir, the aide queried … what lies beyond the black door? Freedom, the general replied. The black door leads to freedom, but I have seen only a few men choose it because they are afraid of what horrors may lie beyond. Most would rather choose a fate that they know, even if it means death, than experience the unknown. The man brave enough to choose the black door deserves to be free.

Today, in the world of business, change is constant, and those afraid to experience change are in a precarious position. Trends in business are changing, and business and career choices once thought to be safe and stable are no longer so. The advice our parents gave us – to go to university, get a good education and get a good job with a company who would take care of us for the rest of out lives – is no longer true. Company restructuring, downsizing and retrenchments have caused abrupt changes inadequate to take care of a family’s needs. And yet, there are choices to be made, and those brave enough to make them will survive the economic crunch.

Are you ready to choose the Black Door?

Dear Santa,

In light of the global financial crisis, I was wondering what your contingency planning was for christmas this year?

“Tightening the belt” would be my preferred option however I realise your belt is quite tight already, so I encourage you to read on further for some more ideas on cost cutting measures.

I would like to help Santa, and my opinions are as follows:

Travel Freeze: Critical travel only – ie the night before xmas when all the children are asleep. Pre-christmas photos in Westfield, Myer or other large Malls could maybe be cut right out.

Workforce Reduction: Reduce the amount of elves you have working for you. Maybe do some cross training so those elves you had previously made bikes only, get them to also making computers, ipods and perform some type of management role.

Outsourcing: Look into China or India for some cheap toy making. Wages are much lower than the North Pole so you will get more bang for your buck.

Last, but certainly not least Santa, if you want to change your future outlook, create wealth beyond your means and ensure that your elves are well looked after into the future, be sure to check out www.NicciAndLee.com

Anyway please respond asap so I have some hope left for christmas. Thanks Santa x