Why you should Celebrate Your Business Independence!

Photo by Will Marlow via Flickr

Photo by Will Marlow via Flickr

When was the last time you took some time to celebrate your independence as a business owner? For most of us, the reason for starting our own business is tied to freedom – the opportunity to ditch our boss, have full control over our destiny…be the one to call the shots. It’s a great feeling, but unfortunately it often gets lost in the challenges of building your business. It’s tough to enjoy your ‘freedom’ when you don’t feel like you’ve got enough time in the day, enough money or that you’ve got a handle on everything.

Does that mean it’s time to shut things down? Wouldn’t it be better if you just worked for someone else?

Not so fast…

I’ve had several great conversations with business owners recently who are struggling to figure out where they want to go with their businesses (and with their lives). They all have different situations, but the one thing they all share is a strong appreciation for their independence – especially when we started talking about the alternatives.

Imagine not having Independence…

Sometimes you most appreciate something after it’s gone, but before you make a rash decision and decide to hang it up and work for someone else, take a few minutes to think about what that will mean for you.

When you work for someone else…

  • You’re on the clock…It’s not always literally ‘punching the clock’ but you don’t have the option of deciding to take Friday afternoon off just because it’s a great day outside.
  • You need to fit into someone else’s model. Hopefully it’s a great fit, but after having created your own model, your own way of doing things, it can be really difficult to suddenly have to do things a different way.
  • You will disagree with some (possibly many) things they do in running their business…and  you’ll need to go along with it whether you agree or not.
  • Your upside in terms of money is capped. You may not be thrilled with the money you’re pulling from own business, but the opportunity is there – if you figure a few things out, the sky is the limit and you can make a lot of money and you’re building something that has value long term. That doesn’t happen as an employee.
  • You will always be at risk…without having much control. Employees can be (and are) let go for no reason. Business owners also face a lot of risks, but as the owner you have all the cards to play. That doesn’t guarantee success or security, but it does put the decision and the tools in your hands.

Think back to the last job you had before you started your business – what frustrations did you have then? Those issues are still going to be there with another job.

To be fair – there are clearly benefits in being an employee. Everyone loves the idea of a steady paycheck…and for many, the lure of paid benefits is important as well. But for someone who’s had an entrepreneurial seizure and taken the risk to start their own business in the past, it can be very difficult to go back into the box.

Celebrate your Independence

Business success is hard, especially at certain points in a business’s life cycle (more on this in later posts). You have challenges in your business, but those challenges can be overcome. There’s not a single right answer for successfully running and growing a business, but there is a proven framework that can get you there – look around, success is definitely possible (and if you need help, just give us a call).

Try this – take a few minutes right now and focus on what is right with your business…and with your life. Focus on the things you’re thankful for, the things you can be celebrating. List out at least 3 things worth celebrating.

I guarantee, if you do this sincerely, no matter what your mood or frame of mind is, you will feel better – possibly a lot better! And that’s when you can start building on what works and doing even more. Success is an ongoing process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride.

In fact – if you’re not enjoying the ride, then you’re not going to be riding for long!!!

What are your thoughts on Business Independence? When’s the last time you celebrated it? What are you thankful for? We’d love to hear your thoughts – share them in the comments below.

Shawn Kinkade   Kansas City Business Coach

2 thoughts on “Why you should Celebrate Your Business Independence!”

  1. Ray Ruecker says:

    I agree Shawn! Good article. I’ve owned my own company since March 2010 and I’ve been recently recruited by other companies. I don’t think it’s worth giving up my freedom, flexibility, or ability to call my own shots. I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Unless Microsoft called me up and said they’d pay me $250,000 a year to work for them. Then I’d think about it.

  2. Ray – congratulations on the success. I think it’s a real sign that you’ve succeeded when the only buyout you might consider is a serious home run type of offer!

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