Honolulu, HI

As a kid, I remember seeing tons of these stores everywhere. In fact, they were the only places my parents would frequent. Especially growing up on Kauai, the largest chain was the Kress Store. I’m sure there were other large stores, but I rarely saw them. Today, I still see some Mom and Pop Stores still around, but most of them have gone… OR have they really?

I expect to see hole-in-the-wall restaurants or tiny shops operating under a residential unit. But this is 2008. Technology has brought improvements in the way business is done. The hole-in-the-walls and mini marts have been replaced by Hawaii’s eBay sellers, work at home moms (and dads) and rising MLM stars.

With the way the economy is shifting it’s time to rekindle that entrepreneurial spirit. When there were no jobs before, our grandpas and grandmas created them. They opened businesses of their own and worked it like there was no tomorrow. In 2008, home business owners are doing the exact same thing but without all the overhead and stocking costs. They’re working out of their homes, on the internet and it’s a different sort of challenge from what our grandparents experienced. Nonetheless, it’s still hard work.

Building an online business takes focus. You know how hard it is to stay focused on the internet. You also have to learn how to operate on the internet (i.e. – SEO, social media, blogging, videos, etc.) which can be a challenge in itself. Then there’s the part about learning how to market your business both on and offline AND still finding the time to raise a family.

Hawaii’s old mom and pop stores bring a feeling of nostalgia for old Hawaii, but I’m also glad for Google because that’s the system I must learn to operate in if I intend to make it working at home.

Hawaii business, mom and pop stores, eBay sellers, work at home moms, MLM