“Monk and Velda Dotter were able to semi-retire by selling on the internet.” Laura Girty, Community Outreach Specialist for the OK Department of Commerce, was telling me of a number of OK companies that have either built or transformed their businesses over the internet. It is a trend that I am seeing as I travel around the country and one that I believe will change the dynamics of many small towns, making them more vibrant. In some cases towns that “really get it” will become meccas for internet businesses.
Laura went on, “They travel by RV most of the year, picking up antiques that they sell at their antique store in Cherokee, OK when they are in town.” But it was the internet that gave them that freedom, something that they can do even when they are on the road. The Dotters have helped another local store owner, Jan’s Collectibles, to learn the internet business, allowing her to expand twice because of internet sales.
Other OK businesses that Laura cited to me were:
Lorenz’s O.K. Seeds (www.lorenzokseeds.com) in Okeene, OK sells both wild and domestic seeds over the internet.
Dave Rose started Mid West eServices (www.mweservices.com) to sell totaled cars and has expanded into selling storefronts in small towns to out-of-staters “looking to relocate to an area that has better work ethics and lower operating costs.”
Connie Moore started Fifth Sister Art Gallery in tiny Waynoka, OK selling art on demand.
She also told of several ranches that have expanded their marketing internationally, bringing in tourists from all over the world. Her favorite is www.flyingwonline.com, which was recently featured on reality TV. The state’s website (www.travelok.com) also links to many other ranches.
Find those small, start-up entrepreneurs in your town who are beginning to sell over the internet. Encourage them. Help them. Some are going to build incredible businesses. Why not in your town?
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