Why do you want start a business?

Everyone has their own reasons and are as varied as the individual. We all have dreams and ideas that drive us to start, grow and develop a business. Most of these dreams involve some sort of 'independence'.

The truth is, owning your own business provides you with greater control and decision making ability.

However, there are some common themes I have heard:

• freedom to make your own decisions.


• opportunity to do something you have always dreamed of doing.


• to finally do things the way 'they should be done'.


• lost job, started business as your former boss' competitor.


• desire to be your own boss.


• independence.


• to make a difference.


• make more money.

The great paradox of being a business person is that you are now probably even more 'dependent' than ever before. Think about it, you are dependent upon:

• your customers.


• staff.


• suppliers.

The Beginning: Passion and Excitement

We start with an idealistic view of our direction, speed and vision. Remember the excitement of those many firsts? I remember a few 'ah-huh' moments, a sense of realization that I am truly in business:

• Making my first sale.


• Incorporation papers.


• Opening a bank account.


• The first bank deposit.


• Getting my first business cards.


• Writing my first pay check.


• Hiring my first employee.

There is nothing quite as exciting as starting a business for the first time. Everything is so fresh, new and exciting.

Coping with the Daily Grind

Soon excitement gives way to repetition. What was once fresh and exciting becomes tedious and tiresome. Do not get me wrong, there are still some things that are exciting and fresh. It is just that it is difficult to see them through the daily grind of commitments and tasks.

Owning a business requires dedication, diligence and personal growth. There will always be those things that must be done, everyday or at certain times of the year.

One strategy I use to overcome the grind is to always make time to do business things I enjoy. Writing and creative design are my opportunity to have some fun. Remember, a change is as good as a rest. Well maybe not as good, but a fun activity or change of pace helps fill the gaps until I get a chance to rest.

To grow and develop as a business person requires perspective. The longer you go without rest the greater the loss of perspective. Force yourself to take a break. Do something nice and be good to yourself. Get out of town, do something you have always wanted to do. You will come back refreshed and invigorated.

The 'Dis' Phase

If you feel disappointment, disillusioned and dissatisfied you are in the 'dis' stage. You must find a way to deal with it. The worst thing to do is ignore these feelings. They are a warning sign. You are likely over-tired and need to recharge or risk a breakdown or burn out.

The truth is you have more control. You could argue that the additional control gives you more independence. But the additional responsibilities and accountability demand new levels of diligence and hard work. The level of complexity has just increased exponentially. You have to know what your formula is. What combination of events, products and services and staff will bring the greatest return? The answer to this question is the formula for your business being successful.

Having worked with a number of entrepreneurs, I know from first hand experience the challenge that this stage of business development creates. Many entrepreneurs long for simpler times. They feel , after many years of dedication, it should get easier. Sometimes it does. Often, it requires additional effort and diligence to get over the 'hump' and grow the business to the next level.