Become a merchant, if that is your inclination, but begin in a small way
and build up. You have children, then the business will be for them when
they grow up and are able to help you.
The way is easy if you look around for the best opening. Pick out your
neighborhood and study the wants of the people. There is always a law of
demand and supply, for people want things of every description every day
and every hour.
Now what does a particular neighborhood need? That is the first thing to
learn. Next, what do they want? That is the second. Thirdly, how many
people are there needing and wanting things? There you are with the
elementary knowledge ready at hand.
Talk with a few of them and find out how they feel about a business
among them within reach and with accommodations of supply and delivery.
Then begin quietly without a splurge or plunging. Go slowly, except when
there is a sudden demand, then work quickly to supply that demand.
Generally, however, you should work up, and put yourself in a position
to be liked. You treat everybody as if you wanted to accommodate them,
and they soon realize that.
You never can tell what a small beginning will lead to. If you keep your
eyes open the future will unfold itself. In every locality in our cities
and settled country districts, the population is increasing, in many
cases by leaps and bounds. You are there and with the proper kindliness
and affability you will grow with the place, and the more the population
increases the greater will grow your business.
There you are, a business man, grown to be such by the force of
circumstances and tact with good judgment. The business will grow still
more with the help of your children.