Success Spotlight #6

1. What made you go into business for yourself?

Deciding to go into business for yourself is a huge undertaking; but well worth the effort. There are many factors that made me decide to go into business for myself. I think the most influential being the strong desire to work for myself, create my own destiny and to be creative - which, of course, is my passion.

With the uncertainty in the marketplace today when it comes to job security, it's nice to know that you are secure in your position when you are your own boss. You are the one steering the ship of your future - so to speak; rather than someone else dictating your path. The self-satisfaction of doing it for yourself rather than depending on someone else for your livelihood is incredible.

Now…being your own boss isn't all fun and games; it's lots and lots of hard work. When you're doing something you love the work doesn't seem to be work - it's just something you must do.

2. What was hard about it?

I found that being younger it is sometimes hard to be taken seriously, but be diligent - you know your business better than anyone else. Remember self-confidence can go an extremely long way.

The learning curve of knowing the various aspects of a business is steep. I found it quite different or difficult having to "wear so many hats". What I mean is that depending on who you are dealing with or what you have to accomplish you have to bring a certain entity to the surface - one which fits the bill for the occasion. Being the only one in your business you find yourself being accountant, marketer, salesperson, promotional rep., researcher, etc. It can get a bit overwhelming at times - the more practice you have the easier it becomes to deal with.

And of course getting the funds to get your business up and running and to keep it running can be very difficult. A thorough, well researched business plan can help you to overcome this obstacle. It's very important to take the time to research your market and your business before you start out to foresee any problems that may arise rather than you being unprepared when they occur. It also makes you look much more professional when you've done your research. Looking professional on all levels will help when dealing with places like banks, etc. And remember to be patient when looking for financing - make sure that they are right for you and your type of business - you should be interviewing them, just as they are you. The patience and perseverance will pay off.

3. What was something surprising about it?

As well as being difficult there are many surprising aspects of having your own business. I think the greatest surprise is realizing that you are doing it - you look at yourself and see that you are making your dreams come true - that it is possible. You may have doubts when times are tough but things always tend to work out. You make sure they work out because you have no one to answer to but yourself. No one is going to pick up the pieces for you if something goes wrong - and there is a freedom in knowing that. You really do get out of it what you put into it, it takes time but it does happen. It's surprising that having your own business will probably be the most intense "job" you will ever have. Just as surprising is the indescribable satisfaction you will receive from this. Imagine being able to look back and say that "I did it my way" - what a feeling!

What do you really love about having your own business? There are many things to love about having my own business. What I love is the ability to be able to explore my creativity for a living. There is nothing more that I could ask for; to be able to do what you love and make money doing it - What an ideal! It's a matter of working with something you - that drives you. The money may not flow in at first but it will - give it time. Imagine what a beautiful place this world would be if everyone truly loved their occupation and did it for the love of it not the dollar value behind it.

What advice would you offer upcoming entrepreneurs? If you are thinking of starting your own business remember that you can be and do anything - follow your dreams with focus, determination, patience and persistence and you will achieve what you're looking for. Continually research your market so that you are up to date with what's going on. You can also never network enough - get out there, meet people, make contacts because you never know what may come of it. Always try and create win/win situations with associates - both parties can walk away from a situation both having gained something rather than one person losing or giving up things while the other wins everything. Win/win is the new improved way of doing business.

I think most of all keep at whatever business you choose. Don't give up when it gets tough and, believe me, it will get tough quite a bit to begin with. However, things will improve and you will only be able to enjoy it if you've stuck with it. If anybody is going to go out there and carve a name for themselves then why can't it be you?!

The future is yours to create with it what you will - find your passion and follow it.

GOOD LUCK!