Working in Michigan

Today we have a guest post by mSeven founder Scott Brills.

The first thing I’m always asked when people hear that I live in Metro-Detroit is, “Oh, how’s it going over there?” Yes, everyone’s heard the horror stories of the post-apocalyptic wasteland known as Detroit–even those living in foreign countries, thousand of miles away. I always reply that, yes, things are tough for many in the region, but the vast majority of people are trying their best to improve their lives as well as the situation of the state they live in.

Even though I was born in the state and have lived here most of my life I can’t just look past the downsides as if they didn’t exist. The fact is though, that I believe that the up-sides far outweigh any negatives–if I didn’t believe that I would have moved on long ago.  To illustrate this fact I have listed several reasons why I believe that Michigan is the perfect spot to do business in.

1.) Enormous Networking Potential

I belong to a half-dozen networking and social groups in the area, and that is just small fraction of what is available. A very large portion of  mSeven’s business comes from word-of-mouth, so it is essential that somebody is always out there getting the word out. You meet all types of people during these events, and it is a rare occasion where you leave without making at least one new friend or business contact.

One of the most beneficial aspects of networking Michigan is  the low ratio of stratification in business society (and society in general) here. Everyone tends to eat, drink, and hang out at the same places, no matter how much money you have. It is not uncommon to meet millionaires at the local chamber of commerce business mixer or successful start-up founders at the local bar.

2.) The Markets Aren’t Over-Saturated

Michigan is an open-slate. Now that most residents are in agreement that Michigan needs to diversify its business portfolio there is great potential for companies to come and to fill in gaps in the state’s industrial and commercial sectors. Over the past few years I have seen more and more growth in sectors that were previously ignored: tech start-ups, alternative energy companies, battery technologies–the types of businesses that will guide both Michigan and the whole of America to a new age of prosperity.

For more on recent and upcoming companies that have started in or moved to the Detroit area check out Wayne State University’s Tech Town incubator and the NextEnergy alternative energy research facility located within.

3.) Booming Tech-Startup Industry

Michigan is doing it’s best to attract new businesses to the state in order to replace the gaping hole left by the near-collapse of the auto industry. We put all of our eggs in one basket for way too long, and it took a near catastrophe to get everyone’s attention. Now, Michigan isn’t going to become the next Silicon Valley anytime soon, but the amount of growth in these sectors is very promising.

4.) The People

You can’t find any better people than Michiganders. I’ve traveled throughout the world and I must say that some of the most outgoing, friendliest, smartest people I have known have hailed from this state. Add to that the large skilled workforce and world-class universities churning out some of the best and brightest graduates every year and you have a great place to base and expand your business.

 
True, Michigan isn’t (yet) known for it’s wealth of technology or venture capital firms–it’s known for sub-par quality automobiles, decimated urban landscapes, high unemployment, racial tension, corrupt government,  and $1 houses. There are definitely drawbacks to locating a business in the state–lack of outside funding, poor public transportation, crummy weather, etc. With the exception of the weather bit these are all areas that the state is focusing on improving, and the faster we get more businesses and skilled workers here the quicker things will change for the better.

We at mSeven are lucky in that the recession hasn’t really hit us at all. If anything our business has been growing at a pretty consistent pace over the last few years, and we hope that this trend continues far into the future.  Yes, times are tough, and will continue to be tough for the time being. I believe that those that stay and weather the storm will become stronger from the experience and be on the top of the list when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities that are bound to arise.

mSeven is here to stay.