05 Sep Don’t let your business run you!
Over the last few years, I’ve heard from business clients that they often feel out of control in their businesses. In essence, their businesses are running them, not the other way around.
When I explore with them the reasons they first started their business, they’ll often say:’
- I wanted to be my own boss so I could work around my family (or to play golf)
- I used to do the same work for a boss and I was really good at it. I thought the profit was better in my pocket than the boss’s pocket and didn’t realise how much time, money and worry a business could incur. Michael Gerber who wrote ‘The E Myth’ calls this thinking pattern having an ‘entrepreneurial seizure’ and that’s exactly what it is
- I’ve spent my whole life cooking and love it. It’s brought me so much pleasure to see people enjoy the foods I’ve prepared but now that I’m in business making specialty foods among other food lines, I feel like it’s just the same old drudgery day after day. Staff problems, money problems, you name it I’ve got it!
- I wanted to be the successful businessman that everyone looked up to and admired – I thought I was ready to make a difference
- I wanted to build a franchise model and leave the business to my kids as a legacy.
Running a small business is hard work often with long anxious hours, with much self-doubt at times, sleepless nights when cash flow is poor, frustrations when customers & staff are rude and we wonder is it worth it all. Perhaps working for another boss was the better option after all? However, don’t let go of your dream! Keep hold of your vision and find out how others do it and how to create your success.
Next time we’ll look at some options to take back control of your business. Remember ‘To get something you’ve never had you must do something different’.
To Your Success!
Fran Savage
Strategic Business Advisor at Break Free Business Solutions
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