SpringRiverMag.com and The Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs

Hi Jody, great job on the Springrivermag. Keep up the great work and positive motivation.

Keep up the good work, Jody!

Hi Jody,

Just know that you're really appreciated. You have inspired a lot of folks, see the positive and live it out. For the young people of the area, you are a role model of what it means to be "part of the solution." Thanks. And thanks to SRC for sharing the vision.

Hey, thanks for the positive comments! We are still shooting for the first Thursday in April for our first meeting. I think it will be very exciting and I hope we can really inspire people. The potential here is pretty substantial. People ask me for job advice at least once a day, whether its from Facebook, email, phone call or people just stopping by. I always tell people the same thing, if you can't find a job, go make one up. As simple as that sounds, many struggle with the concepts it takes to move forward. If they have a little guidance and motivation, so many people can be successful in business. Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs will offer resources and encouragement that will hopefully be a catalyst for positive growth, in both individuals and the local economy. I think the whole project will be a lot of fun. If anyone has never heard of TED.com I encourage you to visit the site and watch a video, any video. TED is an organisation showcasing, "ideas worth spreading." The top minds in any field you can imagine give riveting 18min talks on interesting topics. I hope to review business related TED videos on occasion at Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs meetings.

Jody Shackelford

Hi SRC,

I'm with Mike. This idea is 100% spot-on and exactly the spirit needed. What i especially like about your concept is that it provides a support network that empowers people to step out on their own and create something for themselves and others. Zero start-up is key. Way to go!

this is fantastic. i would like to discuss this with you further. i completely agree with your drive and spirit. those who want to make a career for themselves, can. it is out there for the taking. opportunities abound. opportunity is everywhere if you take initiative and dream big. i love this post!

The Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs is an initiative to reach out to those individuals who are interested in becoming more than an employee. At a time when many area residents are screaming about the lack of jobs, the Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs is here to say, “Make your own job.” With the combination of entrepreneurial fellowship, group problem solving, mentoring and support, we hope to inspire people to reach out and take the calculated risks necessary to build a business, create jobs and strengthen our local economy.
Our biggest focus is going to be on job creation and zero cost start-ups. With the large number of zero cost start-ups that exist, no one should be without a job. For instance, an individual could approach AZ Printing and Signs with the prospect of selling their vehicle wraps on a commission only basis, where the individual is paid based on performance. While commission only jobs might scare some, those who don’t have a job anyway should be intrigued. In our example here, AZ Printing would only pay out if the entrepreneur made a sale – very tasty. With such a win-win, there is a guaranteed client/job for our hypothetical entrepreneur. (No, I didn’t ask them, but I know business.) The same entrepreneur can sell AZ’s wraps exclusively or add more products from other companies. Poof, they own a sales and marketing company for capital zero investment. (Even if a company wasn’t previously hiring sales reps, this would work in most cases.) The possibilities are only limited by the individual’s effort and knowledge. This is one of thousands of zero cost start-ups that few consider.
With a group such as the Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs, seasoned business people can lend their knowledge and experience to those new to the field. Together, we can generate ideas to create jobs and promote community leadership.
People spend hundreds of dollars on DVDs about how to sell on eBay, how to this and how to that; they are buying knowledge and direction. We can create a forum where those same resources are free.
The application has been submitted and we hope to meet the first Thursday of the month at the Ash Flat campus of Ozarka College. We will be inviting local business owners and entrepreneurs to speak and tell about their successes and sometimes more important, the failures. Also, we will, as a group, watch videos pertaining to a specific sector of entrepreneurship. We will discuss our current business activities and brainstorm strategies for success. We will have readings from business publications on the newest trends in business and new opportunities that we can apply to our local area. It is my hope that we will soon have entrepreneurship competitions, offer scholarships and inspire people to start and run successful businesses in north Arkansas. We can create real jobs through this program.
If you are interested in being a member of the Arkansas Corps of Entrepreneurs, e-mail me at editor@myspringriver.com. I will respond quickly and keep you updated with the latest information