Most countries are struggling with the effects of the global recession and unemployment rates in the industrialized world are expected to hit their highest levels since the Second World War, but Australia’s economy is in far better shape than the rest of the world.

According to the Paris based – Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (OECD) Australia is the only country to have shown GDP growth in the last month and their unemployment rate held steady  at 5.8%.  Unemployment in the US and Euro regions has risen to almost 9.5%, and the UK has the highest unemployment rate in 14 years.

The Australian government’s economic stimulus measures have been applauded by the OECD, which says they’ve saved up to 200,000 jobs.  So, although the spectre of the Dole queue stretching down the block seems to have been averted, many people are taking on a second job or starting a business of their own.

And while the lifestyle of a successful entrepreneur is appealing, achieving success is often not as easy as it seems. Without the right attitude, guidance, and help growing competence, many small businesses fail in the first year.  With the right coaching and education, Australia’s entrepreneurs could contribute to the recovery and produce even better statistics in the year ahead.

In times of economic stress there are always people who rise to the occasion and start a successful business that affords them the personal freedom to achieve all their goals.  It takes guts and determination.  You need a vision and a strong belief in your dreams and your ability to achieve them.

Katrina Allen is a perfect example. Her company, De Jour Sanitary Products, was founded on the premise that sanitary products for women would be recession proof.  And she was right – the company sold over $3,000,000 worth of product in 2008.

Allen believes that when you’ve got a dream, you know your dream is right and you’re passionate about it, you need to do everything possible to make it happen.  Her advice to people starting their first business is: have a good idea and never, ever give up.

It’s all too easy to listen to the doom and gloom we see hear on the news. Now is the time to re-evaluate and take stock of your life. We all want to improve our lifestyle and give the best to our families. And it is possible.  But it does require having big dreams and the self-confidence to go after them – full throttle.

Shannon Lavenia – Polaris Media Group