What Exactly Do I Do Again?

For those of you who ever wondered what we do in the Office of Advocacy, a new background paper discusses the office’s role in promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring that small business interests are considered in the federal rulemaking process.  The Background Paper on the Office of Advocacy, 2001-2008 was written as a transitions document to help for the new Administration, and it is an update on the one that was prepared in 2000 by the outgoing Clinton Administration (former Chief Counsel Jere Glover and Deputy Chief Counsel Kay Ryan, 1994-2000).  Chief Counsel Thomas M. Sullivan appreciated the older one so much that he wanted to replicate it.  (Note that Tom resigned effective October 24 and now works for Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough.  Shawne Carter McGibbon is now serving as the Acting Chief Counsel.)  I wrote Chapter 2, which deals with economic research, and parts of Chapter 7, on pending issues.  Thanks to my colleague Joe Sobota for spearheading this important project and to Rob Kleinsteuber for laying it out graphically.

What a Nice Weekend!

Charlotte is really looking forward to Halloween, as she will dress up as Tinkerbell.  We will trick-or-treat around Cameron Station, and Grandma Deb and Aunt Vanessa will join us.  Yesterday was Deb’s birthday, so we will also see her on Saturday night for a birthday celebration with Tyler and Ali.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Charlotte and I will have our pictures taken with Sally Brewer.  It is that time again to start thinking about Christmas photos.  Sally took pictures of us last September, which ended up being the last family pictures that we had before Laura passed away.  For those of you who are not familiar with Sally’s work, you might want to periodically check out her blog.  I am sure that she will post new pictures of us there shortly after our session.  Sally is a good friend and a fellow member of First Baptist Church of Alexandria.

Economic Doldrums = Renewed Love for Economists

One of the “perks” of being an economist during an economic downturn — okay, I will say it … recession — is that there is a renewed fascination with what economists have to say. (This is especially true given today’s negative GDP news.)  I receive much-more-frequent requests for comments on the economy, and the result has been greater press attention. For instance, this week, I have been quoted on the value of exports to our GDP in Fortune Small Business, the ability of small businesses to seize upon new opportunities in a downturn for the McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (including the Savannah Morning News), and others.  Meanwhile, I continue to gain traction on my two most recent papers.  My education paper, for instance, was featured on the Wall Street Journal’s Independent Street blog, in the Central Valley Business Times, and a number of other blogs (including Campus Entrepreneurship, The Entrepreneurial Mind, Raising Entrepreneurs, and Work at Home Truth).  And, several media outlets are still interested in my challenges and opportunities paper, as evidenced by my radio interview yesterday.  I will also discuss these topics on December 11 for a speech before the National Economists Club.

Today’s Appearance on Jim Blasingame’s Radio Show

Interview with Chad Moutray, October 29, 2008 (on the Small Business Advocate radio show).

New Linked In Question on Educational Preparation

I have posted a new question on Linked In in conjunction with my paper on baccalaureate education and self-employment.  Next week, I will post a summary of the results.  Here is the question:

How has your formal education prepared you to be a more successful small business owner or entrepreneur?  Did your choice of college major matter? 

Howard Hoffman Distinguished Lecture Series

On Monday, I will speak at George Washington University in Washington, DC, as part of the Howard Hoffman Distinguished Lecture Series with the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence.  (Thanks to my friend and colleague, George Solomon, for setting this up.)  My speech will take place at Duques Hall at 6:00 p.m. 

I will discuss why “Education Matters for Entrepreneurs.”  Specifically, I will address the linkages between educational attainment and self-employment and the employment decisions of baccalaureate graduates.  These topics stem from my two most recent working papers from the Office of Advocacy, the latter of which is being released in conjunction with my presentation.  Overall, we know that the likelihood of being one’s own boss increases with more education (although maybe not for those with graduate degrees), and by the time a student becomes a college senior, his or her employment path is nearly set.  Overall wealth and various other factors are also important.

Small Businesses Struggle with Cash Flow

Last week, I posted a new question on Linked In asking for responses on small business challenges and opportunities.  This question was posed in conjunction with my paper on the same topic.  While the issues that I discussed were more long-term in focus, each of the respondents concentrated on the current economic problems.  Several people noted the challenges that small business owners are having currently with access to credit and cash flow, which is “placing a squeeze on otherwise healthy businesses.”  One individual noted a “slowdown in sales of goods and services.” This echoes the most recent National Federation of Independent Business survey, which finds that poor sales are the top problem for small business owners. 

With that said, the economic downturn also presents some opportunities for small businesses who are able to be nimble and creative.  Yes, now is the time to “get back to basics” and watch expenses, but it is also a time to explore new avenues.  Now, for instance, might be the time to grab some market share from larger competitors who are retreating from some business areas.  Another factor is the ability of small firms to adapt and learn from others.  A couple responses, for instance, noted the importance of learning from other successful businesses and adopting some of the same techniques to weather the economic downturn.

Radio Podcasts of Me on Barbara Weltman’s Radio Show

On Monday, I appeared on Barbara Weltman’s radio show, “Build Your Business.” Here are the podcasts for Part I and Part II of the show from the October 20th program.

Jim Blasingame’s Radio Show, October 29

I will appear on Jim Blasingame’s “Small Business Advocate” radio show on Wednesday, October 29, from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Eastern time.  I have long enjoyed being on Jim’s show, and he is a good friend.  I will discuss my challenges and opportunities paper, and you can listen via webcast.

Who Knew That There Were So Many Moutrays?

On Facebook, I recently joined the All The Moutrays in the World group.  I did not realize it, but other variations of my family name include: Moultrie, Mutrie, Moutrey, and Mutrich.  It also says that our family tree stems from Berwickshire, near the English-Scottish border.  After joining this group, several of my distant relatives on Facebook have found me.  I did not realize that we had so many Moutrays (or their variants) in England, Canada, South Africa, and throughout the U.S.  Pretty fascinating stuff.