The BIGG Successs Show
Am I Cut Out to Own My Own Business?
Guidance for a business owner facing tough times. Read our show summary at biggsuccess.com.
Welcome to The Big Success Show. Today, we'll discuss how to know if you're cut out to own your own business. The Big Success Show with George and Mary Lynn. We received a big challenge from Kendra who started her own business about six months ago. She says she's still struggling, working harder than she ever has. At times, it's amazingly exciting. Other times, it's extremely stressful. She worries about making ends meet and misses the regular salary from a job. She's in fact been looking at job openings in her profession lately, and she's seen lots of great opportunities, which sometimes makes her regret that she left. So her question for us, her big challenge is wondering whether or not she's cut out for business ownership. Well, Kendra, that's a whole lot of emotions and feelings and questions going on, and I can totally relate to what you're going through, because I also left the corporate world to start my own business here at Big Success, and I have felt some of the same stresses you're feeling right now. Well, and it's only natural, Kendra, you know, I've been a more than casual observer of the business scene for a number of years now, including owning a number of my own businesses, and I'd have to say it does get easier, but it's never easy. Ultimately, Kendra, only you can decide if you're cut out for this, however, we're going to offer some guidance on getting through this, and then you can decide if it's for you. Yeah, and the first thing is this, Kendra, you've got to stop this. Stop tormenting yourself with job openings. When and if you reach the point where you're truly giving up on your business, then and only then should you start looking at those job openings. All right, but George, I understand what you're saying there, but some people might say that it's a good thing for Kendra to keep her options open. Well, Marilyn, I can understand that argument, but here's the thing. Once you make a decision like this, you got to burn the bridge, okay? You can't constantly look at what might have happened if you did something else, nor can you constantly think about what could happen if you completely change directions. You have to commit to what you started out to do. If you don't do that, there's one thing that's guaranteed you will fail. Geez. I haven't seen it too many times. Well, and remember this, Kendra, that it's not like what you're doing now is going to leave a blank spot on your resume. I mean, many employers look favorably on people who have stuck their neck out and started their own business. You're developing new skill sets to add to your resume should you decide to shift direction. Here's an essential skill for entrepreneurs. The second thing, and it's closely related to the first, you have to develop your own internal process. So you stop second guessing yourself. As a business owner, there's going to be days when you are on top of the mountain, but there's also going to be days when you're absolutely stuck in the valley. And when you are stuck in the valley, your internal voice is one of those things that will help get you back to the top of the mountain. Right. However, just understand, Kendra, that as a business owner, you will be back in that valley again at some point. It's just part of the process. And that's why it's so important to develop this internal voice that encourages you, not discourages you. Now, obviously, you're going to need more than just your internal voice to stay on course, and coming up, we'll share one more guiding tip. Today, we're answering Kendra's big challenge. She's wondering if she's cut out for business ownership. So far, we've discussed the things she should do internally. And our third guiding tip is external. Develop a support network. Let me tell you, Kendra, something that's been very important for me when I've been going through what you're going through is George. Oh, I know, isn't that sweet? But because you have owned a number of businesses, you've been able to help me push through when I have faced some doubt. Well, and I think the thing to understand, Kendra, is friends are great, but unless they've been where you're at, they just don't understand. So you really need to converse regularly with fellow business owners. And believe me, anyone and everyone who's ever owned their own business will completely understand what you're going through. And they'll be able to help give you that boost when you need it. And we will too, Kendra. So email us anytime. Thank you so much for sharing with us, and we wish you big success. Yeah, and by the way, Kendra, one more great resource is the big success show, right? So keep yourself fired up and tune in every day. And it's real easy to subscribe to us. Just go to our website at bigsuccess.com, that's B-I-G-G success.com, and click on our iTunes subscription button. You can get a written summary of today's show on our site as well, and let's get our big quote for the day. Our quote today is by no one. Okay. Well, at least that's who claimed it, right? The quote is, "Any belief worth having must survive doubt." And if you stick to your beliefs, there's a little doubt that you will win. Next time, we ask the question, who's in control? You are your blackberry. Huh? I was checking my email when you see it. I bet you were, Marilyn. I noticed. Until then, here's to your big success. The Big Success Show at B-I-G-G success.com. (gentle music) [BLANK_AUDIO]