Recent business graduates start their own business
Graduation is bittersweet. You spent the last four years learning the necessary knowledge and right tools to help land your first job.
The struggling economy presents a challenging obstacle for recent graduates, fewer jobs. Countless applications and interviews lead some graduates to take on the business world differently.
Recent graduates find relief in job search by starting their own business.
Photo by Casey Elliott
Brian Theis, Overland Park graduate student, and Jim McCollum, Leavenworth, 2009 graduate, are combining skill and hard work to start their own business. Theis said the pair began by coming up with a motto for their business. "Professional services at an unprofessional price".
"Professional companies are providing the same service, but if we provide the same service with more passion and desire, we can do a better job," Theis said.
Theis and McCollum, who both earned their bachelor's degrees in Accounting, came up with their business idea at a bar. The two became culprits of what they spent the last four years getting pounded into their brains. Spending money without an income leads to problems.
B&B Prestige is born
Capital constraints are more relevant in today's economy, so the pair presented their idea to a professor to obtain support and necessary funds. Their professor agreed to loan Theis and McCollum money for start up costs and necessary supplies.
B&B Prestige offers a variety of services including landscaping, painting, and lawn mowing. Their services go even farther to walking client's dogs. Theis said his business is increasingly building clients and profits. They offer these services for a lower price and strive to work harder than professional companies.
"We offer the odd ball jobs that no one else wants to do," McCollum said.
Theis said providing quality work makes clients talk about their services and by word of mouth connections are made. Making connections is the key to building their business.
"Our main goal is to get clients, keep them happy, and get them talking about our service," McCollum said.
Small business breakdown by number of employees is made up by
about 70 percent of businesses with fewer than five employees.
KU adapts to trend
Theis and McCollum are not the only graduates attempting entrepreneurship. KU is aware of the upward trend as more students attempt and fail the struggling job market. The university offers many classes and organizations including the Entrepreneurship Club that help graduates get started. Getting involved in these organizations allows the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, make connects, receive support and advice about business plans.
Graduation is bittersweet. You spent the last four years learning the necessary knowledge and right tools to help land your first job.
The struggling economy presents a challenging obstacle for recent graduates, fewer jobs. Countless applications and interviews lead some graduates to take on the business world differently.
Recent graduates find relief in job search by starting their own business.
Photo by Casey Elliott
Brian Theis, Overland Park graduate student, and Jim McCollum, Leavenworth, 2009 graduate, are combining skill and hard work to start their own business. Theis said the pair began by coming up with a motto for their business. "Professional services at an unprofessional price".
"Professional companies are providing the same service, but if we provide the same service with more passion and desire, we can do a better job," Theis said.
Theis and McCollum, who both earned their bachelor's degrees in Accounting, came up with their business idea at a bar. The two became culprits of what they spent the last four years getting pounded into their brains. Spending money without an income leads to problems.
B&B Prestige is born
Capital constraints are more relevant in today's economy, so the pair presented their idea to a professor to obtain support and necessary funds. Their professor agreed to loan Theis and McCollum money for start up costs and necessary supplies.
B&B Prestige offers a variety of services including landscaping, painting, and lawn mowing. Their services go even farther to walking client's dogs. Theis said his business is increasingly building clients and profits. They offer these services for a lower price and strive to work harder than professional companies.
"We offer the odd ball jobs that no one else wants to do," McCollum said.
Theis said providing quality work makes clients talk about their services and by word of mouth connections are made. Making connections is the key to building their business.
"Our main goal is to get clients, keep them happy, and get them talking about our service," McCollum said.
Small business breakdown by number of employees is made up by
about 70 percent of businesses with fewer than five employees.
KU adapts to trend
Theis and McCollum are not the only graduates attempting entrepreneurship. KU is aware of the upward trend as more students attempt and fail the struggling job market. The university offers many classes and organizations including the Entrepreneurship Club that help graduates get started. Getting involved in these organizations allows the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship, make connects, receive support and advice about business plans.
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