I got an interesting email this past week, from a fellow inquiring about an "investment company" and asking if I knew them (I don't), and would I recommend them (no comment). His bottom line question was: How do I know who to trust?

It's a fair question. There are literally so many scams out there that it is hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Knowing the ins and outs of business, however, is what distinguishes the really great entrepreneurs. Do you think Donald Trump and Bill Gates were "lucky"? Balderdash. They are both brilliant business people with fine tuned gut feelings that steer them in the right direction. It's called experience.

Start your scam experience by learning about some of the scammiest scams involving financing on the internet. If you can wend your way through these, you are way far ahead of the crowd.

And remember the golden rule: If it's too good to be true, it isn't.

No kidding, this is turning into BIG business. A customer emails a digital shot to the retoucher with instructions on what needs to be done. The retoucher forwards it to his contractor, usually work at home moms or college kids. The retoucher gets the retouched photo back, sends it to the client and bills the client, perhaps a few dollars, perhaps more.

Even venture capitalists are taking note of this new industry. If your talents are graphically oriented, take a look.

Detroit, Michigan, has openly declared it will ignore the state legislation requiring it to stop giving preferential treatment to businesses owned by minorities and women. It plans, in fact, to do just the opposite, as it has for many years past. Minority and women-owned businesses in Detroit will continue to enjoy preferential bidding and contracting.

Florida companies may have access to more funding via the new Florida Opportunity Fund. This program is still on the drawing boards, but sponsors are hopeful.

The SBA is continuing its incredible training programs throughout the country. There are programs like "Basic CEO/Executive Development" and "Cost and Pricing" being offered in Portland, Oregon. Contact your local SBA office for information.

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"So whatever you want to do, just do it.
Don't worry about making a damn fool of yourself.
Making a damn fool of yourself is absolutely essential.
And you will have a great time."
Gloria Steinem, Writer and Feminist