Have you Built a Business or Created a Job?
Many small business owners fall into the trap of building a business entirely dependent on them so that it would not survive if they were unable to work. They have not built a business rather, they've created themselves a job. Even worse a job from which they can’t resign or take extended leave.
Think about why you went into business in the first place? Was it for more freedom, increased income or greater flexibility? Are you achieving these or is the pressure of securing the next sale making you a slave to the business?
What's the sole purpose of a business? Of your business? Your business should be there to serve you so that you are achieving your goals.
Unfortunately for the majority of small business owners they toil many more days and hours per week hoping one day to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Most business owners are actually enslaved by their businesses. They're anything but free which ends up being one of the contributing factors of why the majority of small businesses fail or never reach their true potential.
Here are five ways you can determine if you have built a business or created a job.
- If you fell ill and could not work for a period of time, the business and the people who work in the business could carry on with minimal interruption.
- The business can be sold and will run successfully without you in it.
- You have a clear picture in your mind of what the business will look like and how it will act when it is finally done. You've shared that vision with your employees.
- You have a 3-5 year plan and are working on implementing your marketing, product, and financial strategies.
- You are able to take extended vacations and can decide not to come into the office on the spur of the moment with no negative impact on business performance.
- Perhaps now it is time to take a look at your personal goals and your business to see if they are aligned. It sometimes can be a very challenging and enlightening process.
We have supported many business owners through the process of developing a clear plan to “build their business” rather than just creating themselves a “job”.