OEN Member Profile - Cleon Cox of Cox and Associates

Q. Please provide a brief description of your company. How long has your product/service/company been in the market?

A. Author/publisher- Also facilitate The Job Finders Support Group since 1991 on a volunteer basis

Q. What business opportunity or challenge led you to develop your product or service? How does your product or service meet that need?

A. After facilitating the Job Finders Group a friend suggested I write a book about the group. That lead to "The 50 Most Asked Questions From the Newly Unemployed". Since unemployment won't be ending the book assists people making that transition back to their next opportunity.

Profile Q&A

Q. What are your impressions of the entrepreneurial community in the Northwest? How would you like to see it grow/change?

A. Our demographics are small compared to California. Yet we do have a group of very entrepreneurial people that care for and are dedicated to this enterprise. We have a lot of talent in the Northwest and we need to get them funded. I'd like to continue growing, exposing and encouraging entrepreneurs to keep doing what they do well. We need people to assist along the way and help guide them in financial, managerial, communications skills to make them successful.

Q. How are you involved in the entrepreneurial community and how has it helped shape your business?

A. When I became involved with OYEA(Oregon Young Entrepreneurs Association) originally in about 1995 my eyes were opened to a whole new world. Thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas. From there I've been able to encourage many people to give thought to their own business, whether it be now or later. Introducing people to OEN is always a joy as I see them learn something new or get an idea for their own business.

Q. How does OEN assist you/how are you specifically benefiting from the organization?

A. OEN assists by being there for others to observe and hear. It is an incubator of knowledge and networking. People are always so willing to help others and see them become successful. My benefit comes from seeing others prosper and grow and share with others. By being individuals yet organized it seems to benefit many more.

Q. What are your favorite websites/magazines/events/ organizations that you read/attend to keep yourself informed about the business community/your specific market?

A. Business week has been a favorite for over 35 years now. I love to glance at other financial and business news magazines when they are around. The Portland Business Journal is an excellent resource along with Oregon Business Magazine.One of the best ways to stay informed is to listen and talk with others in the community. There are so many sources one can't just select one or two, use them all.

Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

A. Never give up. Do your homework and then some. Seek advice from other successful entrepreneurs. Use your instincts and listen to your intuition. Surround yourself with positiveness and be positive.