Editor's
note: This is the last in a series of four columns offering tips
to help Charlotte County businesses recuperate quickly from hurricane
impacts.
I once read that in perfecting the light bulb, Thomas Edison
and his staff attempted 700 experiments -- and they all failed.
His staff wanted to give up, but Edison encouraged them to continue.
"This isn't failure, it's education," Edison reportedly
said. "We know more about the light bulb than anyone else
in the world - because we know 700 things not to do."
I like that story because it clearly illustrates what it takes
to overcome not only a challenge, but likewise adversity. Often
it is sheer perseverance -- not talent, luck, or (as in Edison's
case) even genius, that leads to victory.
The story demonstrates another key to success: teamwork. I'm guessing
that those 700 experiments would have been closer to 7,000 had
Edison been going it alone. But having a number of people combining
efforts in an important activity doesn't just shorten the time
needed to get the job done, it builds morale, creating a psychic
bond of unity among individuals.
As our county has witnessed during the past several months, both
perseverance and teamwork are crucial elements in helping businesses
recover from a natural disaster. These two fundamentals encompass
several additional ingredients, including:
Being a good neighbor. During the power outages caused by Hurricane
Charley, people barbecued meals for their neighbors, shared generators,
and assisted those who were worse off in other ways. Businesses
would do well to follow that example. Is there a nearby store
owner you can help? Then do what you can.
Communicating by any means. Put up even a makeshift sign or banner
to signal customers that your business is (or will be) open. Or
utilize the Internet and e-mails to communicate needs or offerings.
For example, shop owners who no longer have a store can connect
with people who have space to let, and vice versa.
Celebrating. If your business can finally reopen, why not share
that happy circumstance with neighboring businesses? Join with
them for an open house or a block party. Beyond attracting potential
customers for all the firms involved, such an event will boost
morale for everybody.
Remembering that help is at hand. The Charlotte County Economic
Development Office, among other government and private entities,
can be one of your most helpful resources. The Outreach Center
continues to assist those businesses that are still trying to
reopen.
I trust this series of "tips" has been helpful and am
grateful to this newspaper for the opportunity to share them.
With perseverance and cooperation, our community is surmounting
this trying time -- and, as did Edison, will see new light.
Betty Williams is economic development manager for the Charlotte
County Economic Development Office (www.PureEconomics.org).
