Greek Thought Leader Shares Post-Labor Day Wisdom on the Anatomy of a 'DIY'er

Greek Thought Leader Shares Post-Labor Day Wisdom on the Anatomy of a 'DIY'er

CHICAGO, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- While most people spent Labor Day weekend getting some R&R, many Americans determined if working for oneself will pave the way to greener pastures. To be sure, self-starting professionals are changing how they perform business operations -- as well as their daily lives.

While Americans are more willing to fix a plumbing problem (54.6%) than climb a mountain (15.8%), they are also just as likely to start their own business. So says Chicago-based Socrates ( http://www.socrates.com/ ), a national DIY legal solutions provider who recently polled more than 1,000 Americans on issues relating to activities completed without outside professional help.

The do-it-yourself (DIY) mentality is moving away from hardware stores and into people's daily routines, according to Socrates' research. Answers revealed in the survey confirmed this DIY trend extends beyond pipes and drains; it is impacting businesses owners, operations and media usage.

The Rise of DIY Lifestyle & the "Reality TV Effect"

Consumers are taking control of everything -- from the way they shop and manage real estate to operating a business. The DIY lifestyle is indicative of how people use outside resources. Consider the following:

-- 54.9% of survey respondents would start a business on their own.
-- 57.7% of those surveyed said they would lease or rent property and
49.3% said they would complete a contract negotiation without the help
of a professional.
-- In terms of shopping habits, 93.5% of respondents preferred searching
online to learn more about products and services they plan to purchase
-- higher than asking a friend or family member or reading material
from articles and catalogs.
-- When searching the Internet for information on products and services
they plan to purchase, 94% use a general search engine versus the
specific Web site. One conclusion is that consumers want to do their
own research to ensure all views are presented. They might not trust
information directly from the product's site.

"Technology has changed how we view resources and do things on our own. This survey shows how powerful self-reliance has become," said Socrates Consumer Marketing Director Michael Kahn. "The fast-paced transfer of knowledge is allowing more people to see what options are available in the business world -- options beyond the norm."

Reality and informational shows on mainstream and cable channels, alike, have given Americans the lift they needed to attain their dreams. This newfound knowledge is helping to boost consumer confidence in DIY projects, concurrently supporting the growth of small businesses.

-- Cable television is the preferred news media outlet for 25.5% of
respondents.
-- DIY-supporting retailers such as Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Lowe's,
Staples, and Home Depot topped the list of stores most often visited
in the past six months.

"Everyday people now have motivation to leave their prior existence behind in order to start a new life with personal gratification and meaning," Kahn said. "Business products and services need to be conscious of this societal trend to ensure their products are meeting new needs."

The Anatomy of a Small Business Owner

Being your own boss allows the business freedom that we all crave, but what are small business owners really doing during the day? Socrates' "small business time clock" details a day in the life of the typical small business owner. Such duties include:

-- Information gathering. 28.4% of small business owners listen to the
radio 4-8 hours a day. This could also be interpreted as
multi-tasking -- absorbing information while working.
-- Net surfing. Most entrepreneurs are Internet-savvy, but may not be
using lightning fast connections for better work productivity
(72.7% were connected to the internet through Broadband and spent
4-8 hours surfing the net for unrelated work research).
-- Keeping the ship afloat. Many small business owners do it all --
payroll, accounting, managing employees, collecting debts, AND holding
responsibility for the company's products or services. Socrates
suggests small business owners learn about the DIY legal options
available for small businesses either through its array of products or
through other sources.
-- Seeking a key shipmate. When asked what one source of information or
entertainment they would have if marooned on a deserted island, more
than half of small business owners said their computer with a wireless
internet connection. Only one said "wife."

Society is redefining the role of consultants and the self-employed -- they're not just sitting behind the desk. Many small business owners chart their own course with a desire to seek life change -- pace, pay, goals, etc. Each new business expedition encounters stress and anxiety, but those squalls can be diverted with concise planning and support materials.

"We believe small business owners should focus more on performance, not process. Socrates materials are designed with the independent philosophy in mind," said Kahn. "They can assist in charting a more streamlined course toward business success."

Socrates is the leading brand of needed know-how solutions for individuals and small businesses. The Socrates brand offers thousands of relevant, compliant, comprehensive and lower cost do-it-yourself alternatives to high-cost legal and professional services. These forms, kits, software, guides, books, downloadables and completion services help consumers solve everyday legal, finance and business management matters themselves. Socrates offers its products through retailers, marketing partners and direct online through http://www.socrates.com/ .

Source: Socrates

CONTACT: Amy Francis or Michael Shmarak, for Socrates, +1-312-587-7677

Web site: http://www.socrates.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Full results of the survey are available upon request.

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