Mail

Readers are inspired by December 2004's list of celebrity entrepreneurs, and reveal their penchant for micromanaging.

Celebrated Inspiration

When I read Inc.'s ranking of celebrity entrepreneurs, I was inspired to become like Magic Johnson, P. Diddy, and the others featured ["Top 10 Celebrity Entrepreneurs," December]. I was inspired not by their fame but because, like them, I'd love to be able to give back to people who have been left behind by society. Our children need more positive role models like these entrepreneurs. As they have demonstrated, showing genuine care and concern for people with no hope can make a lasting, positive impact. I want to make a difference in my city too.

Patsy J. Jones, Owner, Patsy's Sweet Bread Bakery & Gift Shop, Shreveport, La.

Oprah Outdoes Them All

Based on your criteria, Oprah Winfrey, not Magic Johnson, should have ranked first on your list of celebrity entrepreneurs. Also, I think a clear distinction should be made between those who are truly helping the community through humanitarian efforts and those who are merely building a successful business. Magic Johnson is frequently lauded for reinvigorating low-income areas. But I don't believe it is particularly honorable to capitalize on low-income areas; it's just good business to offer products in less competitive markets. Oprah Winfrey, on the other hand, has a billion-dollar company, major clout with the public, and clearly gives millions of dollars to charity.

Chithra Durgam
Dentist, Durgam Dentistry
Cliffside Park, N.J.

Understanding Howard Schultz

While I enjoyed the article on Moby and his tea enterprise, Teany ["Moby, Remixed," December], I was surprised when Moby suggested he would like to franchise "a la Starbucks." Starbucks does not franchise, which is probably the reason it continues to be so successful. It does have license agreements with certain grocery chains and a very special agreement with Magic Johnson, which you refer to in the same issue.

Greg Morton
Onboard supervisor, United Airlines
Denver

Hats Off to Harvey

It's great to see Harvey Robbins getting some credit for what he's done to revitalize Tuscumbia, Ala. ["No Small Plans," December]. I have known Mr. Robbins for many years, and he's one of the finest men I know. He not only shares his wealth, but he and his wife are very dedicated to our community. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Mr. Robbins. But he doesn't get near the credit he deserves and doesn't do it just to be written about, either.

Judy Young
Owner, Judy Young Computer Consulting
Florence, Ala.

Lawyers and Doctors

Mark Obbie's article about managing your lawyer is packed with good advice ["Learn to Love Your Lawyer," December]. After reading it, I would add that lawyers are like doctors in that they have different specialties. For most general business matters, you want someone who practices preventive medicine. Like surgery, litigation is a last resort. But when you need it, it's critical to have the best lawyer for each individual problem.

Jean D. Sifleet
Attorney
Clinton, Mass.

Micromanagers Get It Done

My husband and I own a large restaurant with 62 employees, all of whom are micromanaged ["Micromanagers, Unite!" December]. It's the only way we have been able to stay in business for 20 years. I also micromanage my two children -- to a certain point. I recently had an argument with my daughter's principal, who claims I am wrong to micromanage, even though my daughter is on the honor roll. If you ask me, those who choose not to micromanage choose the lazy way out.

Joanne Panos
Owner, Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
Danville, Va.

Micromanagement or Mistake?

If I had my way, I would micromanage the changing of the toilet paper, but sometimes I wonder if micromanaging is just a Band-Aid for inadequate training. When I walk into my plant and see things that are wrong, I can't not get involved. I wish I could get my managers to micromanage so I wouldn't feel like I have to. Then again, maybe micromanagement is just in my nature.