MovingOnUp - 2:31 am on Mar 15, 2005 (gmt 0)

What I'm trying to say is, (almost) anyone can make THEMSELVES successful. It takes real knowledge, skill, passion, and leadership to build a company that contributes to the local economy and helps a few dozen or a few hundred other people put food on the table, pay the mortgage and send their kids to college.

I would much rather be a one-man operation cashing five figure checks every month than to manage employees and all the complications that come with having employees.

Just because I don't have employees doesn't mean I'm not helping the local economy. I paid for several man years worth of labor when I built my new house. I pay more in real estate taxes than most people pay on house payments, and that helps support our local schools. The new cars I've bought have helped provide jobs for salesmen and auto workers. We help support our local restaurants, too. I don't see a lot of difference in spending money on employees or spending money with companies who hire employees. In either case, the money goes back into the local economy.

I agree with your assertation that it's more difficult to build a business with employees than to go solo. I don't really care, though. I don't want (or need) the hassles. I'm able to automate much of what I do and eliminate the need for employees.