Posted on May 31, 2011 by CJ Article Team

The media, be it television, newspapers or the internet is full of stories about the vast number of people becoming self-employed or starting Companies right now. The words “Be your own Boss” or “Sack your Boss”, are abundant.

I started my first business back in 2004 and successfully grew it to $1 million turnover, with 50 staff across 10 sites in only 2 years and I loved it. I learned some useful lessons along the way that I feel compelled to share with you. The most important of which is that you need to know why you want to be your own boss and whether you have really thought through the consequences of that decision.

Here are a few of the reasons why many people want to be their own boss and valuable points to consider if you plan on having products, clients, customers and employees:-

You want to be master of your own destiny.
There are many factors effecting any business, depending on what you are selling including, the weather, availability of supply, cost price, choosing the right employees, choosing the right clients, choosing the right bank, seasonality and your competitors, all of which seem to conspire to distract you from your path.

You don’t want to conform to the corporate rules.
You may not want to wear a suit, be politically correct or be the person that others expect you to be, but be prepared to take time to find like-minded people who want to work for and buy from the person you want to be.

You want the flexibility to work when you want.
Employees will expect a good leader to lead by example. If they think you are half-hearted then believe me, they will be. Clients expect to you be available when they need you!

You don’t want anyone telling you what you can and can’t do or to impose deadlines upon you.
What you can or cannot do will become apparent as you see the ebb and flow of clients and customers, they will vote with their feet if they feel they are not getting what they thought they were going to get, when they want it. Also remember your relationship with clients, suppliers and staff is a two way street and if you fail to deliver your part of the bargain, you won’t feel like you are in charge for long.

You are fed up with making money for other people and feel you can make more for yourself.
Check out your ‘Wealth Profile’ online, it costs about $100, but it will be the best move you ever made. You need to find out what kind of character you are and who else you need around you to be successful. For example, I am a ‘CREATOR’, which basically means I am great at coming up with innovative ideas for products or marketing, but I am poor at completing projects and give too much away when closing deals and as a result, I need a ‘SUPPORTER’ on my team.

Your current job does not give you the life you want.
Make sure you have the support of those around you. You can make significant gains, but get it wrong without the support of your nearest and dearest and you could lose more than just your money.

Changes in circumstances such as, you have been fired or made redundant and the current financial climate makes finding another job, with the same pay, in the same field unlikely.
Changes in circumstances can often be the catalyst for helping you make the decision you have feared for a long time and if this is the case then go for it. If you are starting a business because it seems like the last resort, I admire your principle, but you may find it almost impossible to conjure up the self-confidence, drive and enthusiasm you need to succeed.

Your current employer has just appointed you a new Line Manager, who you don’t get along with.
Starting a business, won’t stop other people deciding who you work for. If one of your key clients is the employee of a large corporation, they can be replaced and if your client is a small business owner, they may sell, both scenarios can equally result in change for better or for worse.

You have just come into some money and want to put it to work for you.
‘Learn before you earn’ is a phrase used by multimillionaire Brad Sugars. If you don’t understand the rules of making money, you could stand to lose it and then some! Do a lot of self-development before you risk your children’s’ inheritance.

If some of the realities of being your own boss seem daunting to you, but you feel that you have the energy, stamina, determination, self-discipline and self-motivation, the qualities common to all successful Entrepreneurs and essential in any business, then start with the ‘work from home’ model, with no employees, low overheads and fixed price good quality products, as long as you have honed your people skills you’ll be fine..

Good luck.

Jonathan Bradley
Managing Director
Sharp and Strong Ltd.
If you want the definition of a ‘customer’ visit my blog entitled ‘What is a Customer’ at http://myhealthwealthandsuccesssecrets.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-is-customer.html

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