As with most entrepreneurs, I've lived a life of successes and failures. Certainly by Microsoft or Google standards, the successes to this point have been modest.  The failures did not send me into a death spiral, though I've had my share of dark days.  However, I've always known that I march to the beat of a different drummer.  I've always liked the idea of making my own way and creating my own rules.  I'm willing to accept the result of my decisions, whether that result is good or bad. 

I live in the world of the entrepreneur and the small business person where resources are scarce and the team becomes Jacks and Jills of all trades.  Everything hinges on our instincts, drive and determination.  We take turns buying supplies for the kitchen on the same day that we meet with the president of our largest customer. The steadfast belief in our idea carries us through the bad times. 

A long time ago, I recognized that as an entrepreneur, I am not on an equal playing field with corporate America.  Many comments from entrepreneurs and small business owners I've spoken with mirror my experiences.  The rules of business apply differently if you live in the corporate world versus the world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  Global trade is commonplace for governments and large corporations, but the small business owner does not have the same footing in the global marketplace.  Legislation, taxes and tariffs do not favor the SME.  In most cases, we have no voice to carry our message to the legislators and the corporations that drive commerce and make the rules, especially in the United States.  Small businesses carry no weight; we are simply too small to get anyone's attention. I knew it was time to create a place that belonged to the entrepreneurs of the world.

ZANA Network will provide a voice for millions of SMEs worldwide and an opportunity to take a united stand on issues that impact us.  I wanted a place where we are able to discuss ideas and concepts in an open forum and establish a stronghold for literally one half of the American workforce. Many countries, unlike the United States, drive their commerce almost solely on small business.  All market decisions take into account the impact on small business.  Approximately one of two American workers is employed and two of every three new jobs are created by SMEs. 

This company is the culmination of a lifetime of focus, incorporating ideas that worked well while not falling into the traps of the past.  Although I can take humble credit for the idea, none of this would have been possible without the very talented team of people who believed, walked down the path with me, and who continue to make things happen. Five years ago this idea probably would not have been possible, but thanks to the meteoric growth of high-speed internet connections and broadband availability, successful internet businesses are changing the face of commerce.  Until now, however, there was still no single repository offering a total package of tools and resources for SMEs.

We created ZANA Network to be a one-stop shop to ease the load that entrepreneurs must carry in wearing multiple hats. Here, not only can you easily find the essential tools you need for start up, operation and expansion, but also a community of business owners who share your experiences, discuss ideas, and offer insight and possible resolutions because they've been there.

I recently heard a statistic stating that in the next 10 years, 40 million U.S. jobs will be outsourced.  Since it is unlikely that the current job market will absorb 40 million people, many of these people will start their own businesses and will need a place to learn how. They will also need health and business insurance, trading partners, and information on the other aspects of creating and running an enterprise.  It is time for a place like ZANA Network so that small and midsize companies can take their place in the business world.  This, quite simply, is the reason that ZANA Network was born.

This company's commitment to small business success is genuine, which is why we initiated and hosted the first Small and Medium Business Global Export Summit in Washington, D.C. in November 2007. Representatives from U.S. government agencies joined with big and small business and the educational community to raise awareness of opportunities in funding, insurance and other resources available to help SMEs for export of their products and services and expanding their markets. The video of this historic meeting will be available on our website. Other ZANA Network resources coming down the pike: an accountability section that exposes companies that violate human rights and legal protection tools to help SMEs inexpensively sue or to protect copyrights, trademarks and themselves from frivolous lawsuits. We're also reaching out to college students to make them aware of this exciting business opportunity. Only ZANA Network is doing anything on this level for SMEs. We're working to offer a total package for you to be successful.

As a small business, and we share your aspirations for growth. However, growth for us will not come at any cost. We will not engage in unethical practices to reach that status nor will we deal with any company that does not share our values and business standards. We have partnered with best-in-class companies to provide you with the resources that you need so you can spend more time running a business and living your life. We only succeed when you do.

Let's face it.  At the heart of it, we are business people.  Our goal: to sell more of our products and services and to be profitable.  ZANA Network was created so that entrepreneurs and SMEs worldwide can create business relationships that drive sales.  I can't say it more plainly than this: we want more sales.  To achieve that, we need access to more resources.

This has been an interesting journey for me.  It has been sometimes painful, with the middle third of my life spent as an alcoholic, but there have also been parts that were very gratifying.  I have met a lot of people along the way who have helped me to realize this dream. When I look back on my life, there have been times when I've fallen down and skinned my knees, but I've learned. 

I am very proud of this company and what it represents.  This is not only my dream, but the dream of anyone who has wanted to start a business.  I want all SMEs worldwide to know that ZANA Network was built for you.

Howard Keating
CEO
ZANA Network

For more information visit Howard's Blog.