Not everyone wants to build a sprawling business loaded with employees and large capital investments. Some prefer to keep it lean, and that can equate to running a shoestring business. Today's technology and the internet provide us more variations on the shoestring business than ever before. On this episode of Business: Engaged! we talk with retired business owner Wayne Simpson. We discuss the advantages, funding options, and success factors. We also talk about whether to incorporate and how to use contracts to provide sustainability and profitability. And you won't want to miss my segment that features lessons learned from my city council campaign in Rogers, Arkansas. I explore the economic impact of the local political campaign. To keep up with my work in my community, you can visit my blog at www.carrie4rogers.com (http://www.carrie4rogers.com). You can now sign up to receive our e-mail newsletter Business: Engaged! Direct so you'll be the first to know when we post a new show. Visit our website at www.businessengaged.com (http://www.businessengaged.com)to listen to past episodes. And don't forget to connect with us on Twitter at @businessengaged (http://twitter.com/businessengaged) and Facebook (just search for "Business Engaged"). We love it when you tell others about the show so take a minute and post this link for your Facebook friends or Twitter followers.