6. July 2009 by admin.

Our entire economic system is the result of a single person having vision for something that solves a problem or meets a need and then identifying strategies to make that vision a reality. It certainly means something when you think about it that way. However, what it has become is big business with no vision, and one goal - to make as much money as possible taking prisoners along the way.

Sure, making money is a great goal, but when it results in the downfall of our entire economic system and detriment to millions of American families there is a problem and a lot that needs to be done to repair it.

The Right LANES is a small, community-based solution to a huge problem. But we must start somewhere. We know now that the economic dead end we have found ourselves in was a direct result of being in the wrong lane, following wrong business practices, and looking at the wrong big picture.The Right LANES was founded to bring people back to the basics, ultimately putting ourselves and our small businesses in the right lane back to economic recovery.

In coming up with the concept, we recognized that it was the professional women around us who were continuing to stimulate the economy during a time when most were not spending. After a lot of brainstorming (and thought provoking red wine) we came up with ‘Ladies Advancing a New Economy’ thus, The Right LANES.

It is a small movement that has started off strong and will continue to grow with a big picture goal of supporting small and family-owned businesses, independent service providers and nonprofit organizations.

For us, back to the basics means that we understand that our entire economic system is the direct result of small and family-owned businesses striving to sustain. They employ our neighbors, utilize our local vendors, support our local nonprofits, and generate tax income for our towns and cities. If we go back to patronizing these businesses we can help start the process over again, allowing these businesses to continue meeting customer needs and solving customer problems.

We hope many others will get in the right lane with us as we follow this road to economic stimulus. Join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to see how you can get on board.

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17. March 2009 by admin.

I have never been one to just sit back and wait for someone else to solve a problem. Before I complain, I act.  I see a silver lining and I seize the opportunity to make things better.  So, over the last few months as the economies around the world have taken a nose dive, and especially here in the U.S., I began to take a hard look around me and it was quite interesting what I saw.

Yes, I saw friends going into foreclosure and family members debating bankruptcy. I even saw a few friends get laid off, and dozens “friends of friends” getting the axe.  I saw stress and anguish in the eyes of so many both in my life and from just watching the news.

But, there is something else that I saw. My friends and I were still dining out during Washington, D.C.’s infamous Restaurant Week. We had a girl’s day where a dozen friends piled in a limo and went on a trip to taste wines in Virginia’s wine country.  

During my trips downtown, I saw that the lines in front of trendy night spots were still flowing down the streets, and the VIP areas, where $500 minimums are considered “cheap” were filled to capacity. People were still sipping on $10 Martini’s and enjoying expensive sushi by the trays. I still went shoe shopping and even purchased a necklace from Tiffany’s, who, like many retail businesses is finding this economy hard to bare.  My friends and I took a trip to the West Coast recently where we shopped, dined, partied, and took tours.

And, then the light bulb went off. I soon realized a solution to at least a little bit of the problem that the country is facing.  The solution is the demographic that I find myself in – the young, working professional with little expenses and more disposable income.

We have in our reach the power take heed to our new leader’s message and make a change for everyone.  We are a major part of what is keeping the economy going even during this depressing state. We are dining, shopping, traveling, and yes, we are still investing. Some of us have started small businesses and are doing quite well. Well enough to even take on new employees.

We can make a difference for the many people who are suffering in this economy, and that is what I plan on doing by being a part of The Right LANEs – Ladies Advancing a New Economy.  The Right LANEs will bring together women just like me who can help support the boutique shops on the verge of closing or the struggling family winery whose owners poured their hearts, souls, and savings into making it grow.  We will help make a change, if only one small business at a time.

We, together, can answer the President’s call.

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