Declaring Your Independence …

Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change.” – Stephen Covey

Our forefathers declared our countries independence and we celebrate this every year. More and more people are also declaring their independence from the “man” or the “boss” – and starting out on their own in a new business.

For many, the mere thought of being without the security of a paycheck scares the living daylights out of them. They fear investing life savings into a business that could fail. They fear not being able to make ends meet.

On this Independence Weekend, let me help provide direction if you have been considering driving your own destiny in your own business – and you are fearful.

1. You do not have to invest your life savings – unless you want to – There are many business opportunities that do not require huge investments and can be started for a few thousand dollars or a bit more or less. It may be a service business, or perhaps a business where you are providing products or services to other businesses or consumers as a type of dealer or distributor. There are many reputable sources for these opportunities.
2. If you are scared about losing your paycheck, think about working on a business while in a business – Over the years, I have consulted and coached a number of people who were not ready to jump in with both feet, but wanted to begin launching their business while still employed and earning a paycheck. It is a common strategy and can be done with planning and setting goals. I think of Mark Borst who launched Rampant Imaginations (www.rampantimaginations.com), a digital creative agency, while actively employed. He was able to quit his “day job” within a few months, is doing great in his business and enjoying life. Mark is the best web expert I have ever met – and that certainly helps.
3. Above all – and this is most important – find the right business that will allow you to do what your love – because then the money will follow – I had a restaurant owner once tell me that if someone said “I like eating in restaurants so I think I will open one …”, hit them with a baseball bat back to reality. It isn’t just what you enjoy, but finding the right business that aligns to your personality, interests, aptitude, temperament and of course, life situation. This is so critical and where most failures occur – not matching business to lifestyle and goals. Before anything, get this answer.

Got the drive? Ready to drive your own destiny and enjoy life on your terms? Declare your independence - and start today.

And thank you for reading this - Dan