If you’re a small business owner, I want to urge you to vote in the midterm elections. Yes, I know you’re busy with your small business, and fall is a hectic time. You may think, “Why bother?”
What our elected officials do, and who they are, matter to you and your small business a great deal.
You certainly know politicians affect your taxes and regulations, but there’s so much more. Who you vote for affects a dramatic number of policies and programs impacting your company. As importantly, who we choose to lead us also shapes the very nature of our society, our economy and our democracy.
America has become so partisan, with voters choosing candidates simply because they have a (D) or an (R) next their name. But you wouldn’t hire an employee based on their party affiliation alone, and you shouldn’t vote that way either.
The older I get, the more I choose candidates based on competence.
Just as I would when I select someone for a position in my company, I want to make sure they can actually do the job and do the job well.
Some key factors I look for include:
- · Temperament and empathy
- · Intelligence and experience
- · Ability to compromise and work with others
This year, many small business voters will also judge candidates on major questions.
Will they vote for programs that create opportunities for small businesses?
In the last two years, three major programs have been enacted that will create numerous business opportunities for small companies.