



     Little Shops With Big Plans


                                             By Gary Bryant
                    
          You've seen the ads for old cars and computers.  You've 
     read the ones about washing machines, pianos  and mattresses 
     to be hauled away.  But did you notice  the little ad for 
     John's Custom Guitar Shop? Did you  see the ad for Bill & 
     Mary Peterson's Upholstery  Palace..Don Wickmire's Roto-tilling 
     Service? 

          We're used to scanning classified ads looking for  bargains 
     on nicknacks and household goods. Classified ads are also a good 
     place to look for  services and goods offered by people that want 
     to make  their living the old fashion way...high quality  
     merchandise and personal attention. 
       
          Everybody has  heard of the various 'scams' that occur 
     in classified advertising,  "Make 30 billion Dollars At Home 
     Stuffing  Cornish Game Hens" or the ones that go "No risk Offer!  
     Make A Fortune In Real Estate Swindles!  Send for your FREE book 
     now...  only $99.95!"  
       
         These ads and the  people that place them are not the people 
     that I'm  talking about.  That's why I'm writing this, to remind 
     you of all the legitimate business that  only want to mow your 
     lawn, clean your house, fix your  VCR, watch your pets, tune 
     your car, repair your  gutters, pave your driveway, install your 
     fence and deliver your pizza.
       
         Most of us don't have much need for a Taiwanese business 
     directory or a book on  how to import cheap plastic door handles 
     from Korea.  We  can all use a fresh loaf of bread from Karen's 
     Country  Bakery or a hand-made lawn swing from Steve's Lawnworks.
           
         So, take another peruse through the local paper and see just 
     who's doing what.  Don't be  surprised if someday you get the bug 
     to run your own little enterprise.  You'll be one up on your  
     competitors...  you'll know where to advertise!   



