A prime topic on the minds of people today is “should I start a business?”
I mean, who wouldn’t consider it, as mainstream job satisfaction is at an all time low, wages are flat, and prices for everything are skyrocketing out of control?
Everyone seems to be looking for ways to support their families doing something that is a truer reflection who we think we are.
Just think of the many roads you have traveled in search of what you really care for in your life.
You’re aware of the time going by, and there’s a pressure there, but whenever you’ve thought about the idea of starting something on your own, the
negative thoughts come.
Thoughts like what do I really know about becoming an entrepreneur? Do I have a good idea to promote and a feel for organizing a business? Would I really understand how to market and attract a consumer base to support and grow a business?
Is it worth the the time?
Is it worth the effort, and the risk?
If this is you, it probably is
“I’ve always wanted to start my own business and have been too scared to take the risk. I’m 38 years old now with a couple of kids. Maybe it’s the dreaded “mid-life crisis”, or because my bosses have gotten too big for their britches and I’ve had enough, but I feel more motivated now than ever to chase my dream.
Maybe this will help
Not everyone can become an entrepreneur, but I suspect you have it in you.
You might need a little help, but so what. It’s not that hard. You can do it.
Listen
There are so many highly valued and even unexpected benefits to running your own business.
They rarely get mentioned, but they are always there.
For openers, you no longer have a boss breathing down your neck, you can often times make your own schedule.
You also reap the full value of your hard work, dedication and creativity instead of it being to someone else’s benefit.
Many entrepreneurs will tell you that there are hidden benefits that are worth more than the business itself such as the deep, lifelong friendships that can be forged and experienced with people of a like mind that you get to meet through your business.
Ask anyone who has been in any kind of business for any length of time if they’ve ever met anyone of substance, of character, who has subsequently become a lifelong friend, and then listen. You’ll be surprised how common it is, and how valuable those friendships are to the people concerned.
Like Minded People
One of the coolest things you can create together with these kinds of people is a Mastermind Group.
This is where a small group of like-minded individuals meet on a regular basis and discuss their own issues of the day. They use the collective wisdom of the group to resolve issues, create philosophies, and discuss strategies.
Everyone in the group benefits in one way or another and the camaraderie created has a phenomenal power to it. You can learn so much, so quickly, with your own Mastermind Group. Everyone in any kind of business can benefit by being in one.
Meeting with people as often as you can to share experience, keep your finger on the pulse of your community and throw ideas and solutions against the wall really serves to accelerate your progress as an entrepreneur.
Confidence
Then, there are the more tangible types of personal growth that will undoubtedly change your life for the better. Your ability to start conversations with people you meet in absolutely any circumstance and from any walk of life grows when you have your own business.
You might even, one day, surprise yourself by enjoying talking to groups of people as a Speaker. Because most people cannot imagine this being an enjoyable activity, they’re often shocked to find out how much they do enjoy it, given the right topic, the right people, and the right circumstances. And all without any formal training at all.
The common denominator in all these things is CONFIDENCE. Having an abundance of confidence is probably the greatest asset you can have if you want to live a prosperous, joyful, stress-free life.
Confidence is another one of those things that money just cannot buy. You can only acquire it from doing. So, in order to build your confidence, you simply have to practice whatever it is you would like to get good at.
But the strategy is always the same. Start from where you are and practice.
So, if you want to get really good at business, you first have to have a business. No amount of video or classroom training can substitute for the real thing.
Do It!
The same is true for decision making, organizing, planning, setting goals, and so on.
You just have to DO IT!
In due course, you will master every aspect of owning and running a business, and at that point business strategy will cease to become something you do. It will become an integral part of who you are and any sense of ‘work’ will then leave you permanently.
YOU will become your businesses’ most powerful asset.
It has been said many times that we become the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with. If you’re thinking of starting a business, this might be a good time to ponder what that means to you in your life.
This a just a quick look at the life changing outcomes from being in business for yourself and why you ought to give serious thought to opening your own.
We didn’t even touch on the freedom and prosperity, both personal and financial, that business ownership can bring plus a sense of fulfillment that such an accomplishment affords.
There’s even more, but I think you get the idea.
I’ll leave you with this
It’s not nearly as hard as you make it out to be. You already possess most of the skills you’ll ever need to run a small business.
If you think you can…you can.
