business strategies

The Real Reason I Am In Business

I still remember the day that I told my kids I was starting my own company.  It went like this:

Kids: “So you are going to be the boss?”

Me: “Yes.”

Kids: “So you get all the money and make everyone else do the work?”

Not so much!  Being a business owner seems so glamorous… until you actually start a business!  Then it quickly turns into a LOT of work and a HUGE learning curve!  As I’ve been working with my clients and team this week and watching them go through the challenges of learning and growing in their business, it’s been a great chance for me to reconnect with the REAL reasons I am in business.

Business is where I grow, refine, and become a better person.  I could make a HUGE list of all of the non-monetary gains that have come through me being in business.  I am more confident.  I am more humble.  I’m better at conflict resolution and communication.  I can talk to almost anyone anywhere.  I know many of the amazing inspiring people I have looked up to over the years. I have better vision for my future.  I am better at making things happen.  Because of my business skills, I really am a better wife and mother and I am more capable of serving in my church and community.  Some days I honestly feel like, “Can I just be done with the personal growth already?”  Sometimes I get tired of seeing another weakness that I need to adjust.  But the truth is, life is about learning and growing.  I used to learn and grow through the challenges of life and trying to get by.  Now I am so blessed to be able to learn and grow while doing what I truly love.

I have a voice and influence.  The more people I meet, the more I believe that if every one of us really shared and lived our core message, we would change the world.  In my core I am passionate about strengthening women so that they can fulfill their missions.  When you impact a woman, you impact her entire community.  That message is a part of me.  It would be a part of me whether I was in business, being a stay at home mom, or working for someone else.  The fact that I have a business just gives me a stronger voice.  I have access to people through my weekly articles, through social media, radio interviews, and speaking events.  Business is a vehicle to reach and serve more.

My family has more opportunities.  I’m not just talking about vacations or extracurricular activities.  I’m talking about character building opportunities.  Right now my family is being blessed to serve another young family at a time when they need some help.  I love that we are able to help and my boys are learning to put others needs above their wants.  My boys understand that if you have something important to accomplish that you can do anything with a good strategy and hard work.  They don’t take anything for granted.  They see how hard we work in our business and they see how we sacrifice and juggle to put our priorities in order.  My children are learning lessons that I don’t think I would have been able to teach them if I was not in business.

I know there are discouraging times in growing your business.    There are moments where you think, “Is it really worth it?”  You think the thought, “Would it just be easier to get a job.”  In many cases the honest answer to that question might be yes.  It might be easier to get a job.  That doesn’t mean you should.  You have more value than you are probably even aware of.  You have the ability to change not only your reality, but to bring others along with you.  Keep going.  Don’t give up.  This is about so much more than a paycheck. For more details: business strategy