Why own my own business?

Why do we want to be our own boss? I often wonder what thought process goes into starting a business. I know once an apprenticeship has been completed the options are to continue to work as an employee or go out on your own. Others come into money through redundancy and others decide to mortgage their home, either way to start your business the first step is to find finance, a risk many financial institutions do not support unless you are willing to provide security. I can’t help but wonder what it is that drives us to take this risk? Whatever reason 67% of small businesses are home based which may be a good start.

Choosing a business is exciting and yet challenging, do you choose a business you have experience in; or one you don’t? As we all have our own reasons for entering into a business, it comes down to research and marketing, with a touch of opportunity topped with a percentage of risk.

My first company was one I had no experience in, as I felt I would be more proactive when seeking needed knowledge to add with my vision of what I wanted to achieve. Understanding the importance of outsourcing through support, I chose a cleaning company. With six experienced cleaners married with my expectation of client’s needs, we began the business under the structure where everyone is supported by each other. Initially my aim was to achieve 85% growth through word of mouth; today (six years later) we are currently achieving 100%, now allowing the opportunity to invite others to benefit from the business achievements.

There is so much support out there when starting your own business, look around at networking groups that suite your needs, availability and location. A couple to mention that have supported my businesses are the HomeBiz Networking group, BNI (Business Networking International) and Nation Wide Networking because I believe you need to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.