Small Business Owners: What Drives Them?Many people dream of it, intend to do it, plan for it, but only a daring few actually go into it. Venturing into a small business has become a dream for many people especially those who feel tied down to a rigid nine to five job with not much opportunity for financial freedom and flexibility of schedule. We all have heard their stories and sentiments such as waking up in the morning dragging them to the office, having to deal with the overbearing boss, gossiping officemates, and unreasonably demanding clients all for a little compensation that is not even enough to buy them a second-hand car. And so the idea pops in their heads, excites them, the idea gets seriously considered, a little planning gets done, and then it all stops there. One of the main reasons why business dreams do not get realized is fear. Fear of the unfamiliar, fear of the necessary change, fear of taking risks, and fear of failure. When the office set up and the work environment have become like second home to the employee, when working with the boss and colleagues has become a lifestyle, and when the office uniform already feels like second skin, chances are, the employee would not want to get out from all that and move to an unfamiliar ground. It would be hard, uncomfortable, scary, and intimidating. Given this, how do small business owners get to manage their way into the businesses they now have and enjoy? Personality, character, dreams, and priorities all spell the difference. An individual with a dream to get into a small business simply makes a decision to act on his dream. No putting it off endlessly, no grandiose planning that does not result to any execution, no dreaming it away. A decisive mind, a motivated heart, and an undaunted verve drive the dreamer to take the steps toward realizing his dream. This does not mean that his fear and apprehensions are inexistent. The difference with him is that he refuses to let these blur his vision and weaken his spirit. Careful steps and calculated risks are taken through proper planning, studying, researching, gathering of capital resources, and vigilance to business opportunities. A good timing, opportunities created or taken advantage of, and well prepared and motivated individuals give birth to small business owners, or more aptly called entrepreneurs. The motivations of small business owners for getting into their businesses vary. Some wanted financial growth while others wanted career growth, a sense of fulfillment, a thirst for more challenges and responsibilities, a recognition for skills and abilities, or simply maximizing of gifts and potentials. And though going into business ventures is rewarding and fulfilling, small business owners are the first ones to say that it is no easy thing. Going into business entails a lot of sacrifices. It is definitely not a bed of roses, not a walk in the park, not a piece of cake. These small business owners have invested not just money and material resources or time but their very own precious sweat, blood, and tears, practically their lives. But the best part is that they do not feel like they are losing a part of their lives, small business owners actually feel like they are gaining more. And they feel that their journey is just in the early stages, there is so much more opportunities to seize, territories to conquer, and daunted people to inspire. |