Missouri Ranked 6th Most Entrepreneurial State!

Studies from 2012 Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, published by the Kauffman Foundation, show Missouri is the 6^th most entrepreneurial state in the nation! 

What draws entrepreneurs here? Could it be our Midwestern friendliness, Kansas City barbecue or our multiple professional sports teams? Maybe…but the data shows that low taxes, low utility bills and an appreciation for small business may be the real reason behind KC’s entrepreneurial boom.  Kansas City in particular has a lot of resources for budding entrepreneurs, including the Inventors Club of Kansas City, KC/IABC and of course, Think Big Partners.

In 2011, Missouri saw the most growth in the manufacturing industry, particularly in automobile, science and agriculture businesses.  Four hundred of every 100,000 Missourians decided to think big and startup as entrepreneurs.  We like those odds. 

So who’s our competition? Arizona is number one by quite a bit, with 520 out of every 100,000 people who caught the entrepreneurial bug this year.   The other top entrepreneurial states include Texas, California, Colorado and Alaska (that’s right—Alaska!). 

Keep on welcoming entrepreneurs to the Show-Me State and encouraging talent to stay local, and we’ll be number one in no time! What do you think draws entrepreneurs to Missouri and the Midwest? Let us know in the comments section!

Tips for Young Marketing Communications Professionals in Kansas City

Wednesday evening, Kansas City’s International Association of Business Communicators (KC/IABC) held a Rising Stars Marketing Communications panel.  Communication employees and interns from all over the Kansas City area gathered at the Granfalloon to hear advice from some of the best in the biz – Mike Goff, Eric Morgenstern, Terry Pulliam and Lori Wiles.  I left the panel with great advice to share with others out there who are passionate about marketing communications:

Impress Employers

In this fast-paced society, technology is constantly changing.  So if you’re in the job market, be willing to show potential employers that you’re eager to learn any task ahead of you – even if it isn’t in the job description.  A tip from panelist Terry Pulliam: If you’re not challenging yourself at work, you’re not moving forward in your career.  Employers love to see employees constantly working hard and trying new things.

Market Your City

Mike Goff was in agreement with the rest of the panel – Kansas City is, for lack of a better term, awesome.  However, Mike does believe the city and its citizens need to brag a little more about just how great it is!  “A lot of talent from the nearby universities feeds into Kansas City,” he said. “We’ve got to be marketing our marketing.”

Don’t forget to give back!

When working in a boast-worthy place like Kansas City, it’s important to give back to it as well!  Apart from a career, volunteering is a great opportunity to give back to the community.  It allows you to learn new skills you may never have the chance to use in the workplace.  If your job is strictly marketing, you can volunteer to plan an event for a local nonprofit you’re involved in to gain the experience. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still earning your communications degree, KC/IABC has the advice for you. Check out the organization’s next event – a professional development lunch focused on tips for better storytelling Thursday, August 16 at Brio Tuscan Grill.