Once upon a time, there was no such thing as a 'job,' as we envision such today. This is in the sense of working from 8 to 5 and collecting a paycheck every week. Instead, if you wanted some product or service from another person or persons, you went over and 'gave' them your assignment. For example: You want a cabinet made. You go ask a cabinetmaker to make such and thus give him a 'job'. At any one time he might have 20 'jobs' going or pending. Consequently, if you withdrew your order and he 'lost' his 'job,' it would be a mildly unpleasant event, not a catastrophe. Today, those with 'jobs' (the 8 to 5 kind) worry and stew about being out of work ... about losing their 'job!'

The fact of the matter is that almost all members of SBH lose jobs rather often. But, they also gain 'jobs.' And, if they are to stay in business, they gain more than they lose. Every day is a challenge to avoid losing and successfully gaining or completing 'jobs.' In case you've been wondering about it, that's why you are a bit bemused when you read the headlines in the daily paper "200 Lose Jobs In GTE Downsizing!" What's the big deal? You lost two 'jobs' yourself last week. Or, you found out that one of your employees was getting paid more than they were producing, so you let them go. Big deal? Well, I guess so, to them, but most of the time they did have the option to produce more and make the 'jobs' they did more valuable to the customers and thus to you.

What's my point? First, we have let our language get misused. A 'job' is not a paycheck; a 'job' is work well done. Otherwise, the 'job' goes elsewhere. Second, we are returning to "Once upon a time..." with our rapid communication technology society. Knowledge and information are becoming key to productivity. Thus, more and more independent consultants, advisors, salespeople, and contractors of all sorts are springing up like bean sprouts. And, each of them needs special personal services (i.e. computer repair, advice, special couriers, communications experts). 'Jobs, 'jobs,' and more 'jobs!'

So when you hear the complaint "Golly, I might lose my 'job'," here's your answer: "THAT'S WONDERFUL! NOW YOU CAN GO OUT AND GET SOME JOBS."

So you want to know if Clinton or Dole will be president next year? Easy. Check the height of the candidates. The taller man has won 21 of the last 24 presidential races in this century.

Yes, Americans practice "heightism" in elections just as they do in daily life. According the The Economist magazine, more than half the chief executives of America's Fortune 500 are over 6 feet tall and ninety percent of America's chief executives are above-average in height. Give job recruiters two invented resumes that are the same in every way except for the height of the job applicants and the taller man is hired three quarters of the time. The same holds for promotions and pay. Studies show that salaries are 12% higher for men over 6' 2" tall.

Women are particularly discriminating against against "Severely Height Restricted Individuals of the Male Persuasion." One study of 79 women, found that only 2 would go on a date with a man who was shorter than themselves. It just isn't fair!

In a country which already has laws banning discrimination against 70% of the population, how can such blatant discrimination be allowed to continue? Well, the government could act. Taller people could be forced to compensate for past discrimination by requiring priority treatment for short people in employment, in schools, in housing, and maybe someday even in wedlock.

But how could we expect sympathetic laws from elected officials who are mostly tall? Let's remind them that there is power in short numbers. Indeed, we are all shorter than some one person in America.

End height crimes in America! Be short sighted - vote short!

By now you've no doubt heard about the Internet, and it's graphical interface the World Wide Web (Web). If you've been considering taking the plunge into the "Virtual Marketplace," let me give you a little food for thought:

While it will probably drive my business into the ground, you should know that you do not have to be a "Computer Geek" to market your business on the Web. A trip to the library or book store can provide you with plenty of "how-to" books on the subject. If you are computer savvy (or have a employee or family member who is) you can have a quality Web page made quickly and easily. If you are not so inclined, you would do well to seek professional assistance. A professionally designed set of Web pages, along with the monthly fees charged by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) shouldn't end up costing you much more than a dollar a day. Also keep in mind that even though a very high-speed Web site - with all the bells and whistles - could cost hundreds of dollars (and would be worth every penny), even the simplest of pages with a link to your e-mail address can generate a lot of business bang for the advertising buck.

This leads into my next point . . .

Getting on the Web means your business is made accessible to tens of thousands of potential customers for a fraction of what it would cost to do the same thing in print, radio or TV. Sounds great right? Well, caveat emptor. Do you have a sign in front of your store now? An ad in the phone book? Are people lined up around the block for what you have to offer? You need to make sure that your business is suited for Web-based commerce. The best carpet cleaner in the islands isn't going to make a red cent from a Web surfer in Maryland, but I'll wager that a company that sells Kona coffee or outer island tour packages is.

Safety is another consideration. While there are computer applications and ISPs that claim to be able to keep financial transactions secure, most consumers are loathe to use their credit cards to purchase goods and services over the Web. To get around this, most business on the Web give consumers the option to pay with a credit card via computer, over the phone (just like catalog orders), or to order merchandise by sending an e-mail order form.

If you do decide to put your business on the Web, remember to ask questions if you don't understand any technical concepts or jargon. This could be the biggest thing to happen to your business since you bought your first computer, and you should feel confident and comfortable with your decisions. Use your new SBH Member Referral Directory to find help, or arrange for a consultation with a local ISP.