Fail or follow-through?

Why do entrepreneurs do it? Why do we choose to put ourselves, day in and day out, through the emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological craziness of being self- employed, when we could easily have a job where most of the responsibility of keeping the business afloat is not all on our shoulders?

Simple, we love what we do. We love what we create. We love the flexibility. We love working for ourselves. We love to help. Sure, a paid vacation would be great, paid sick time would be even better. But there truly is a special feeling that comes with creating something from nothing. It's like raising a child. You made something that wasn't there before. You nurture it, you protect it, you watch it grow. All at your own hands, at your own pace. 

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of small businesses fail within 5 years, and by 10 years, only 30% of those small businesses are still around. The word "fail" feels icky to me, but it's the word used in the entrepreneur world. I feel that anyone who started a business isn't a failure. Just the mental fortitude alone, all the research, the studying, the financial cost entailed in bringing a business to life, is a form of success. Whether your business was around for 1 year or 10 years, you should be proud that you took that first step. You had the courage to try something that wasn't there before. Sure, there are thousands of cleaning businesses around but there is only one Crunchy Cleaning by Kathy because it's mine, and there is only one me. :) Sure, there are many brands of soda but there is only one Coke and one Pepsi. Just because there is competition, doesn't mean there isn't room for you.

Now, if for whatever reason, you decide to end your business, it's ok to come to that decision if that's really what's on your heart. Some things aren't meant to last, and that's ok. Give yourself grace. Sometimes health issues arise, or someone needs a steadier schedule or income, or you move and have less space, or the world takes your business out. Things happen. Like Kenny Rogers said, you have to know when to walk away. As entrepreneurs, our economic future is made by the hard work we put into our business, but it also flourishes or fails by the financial market, by what customers and clients may be able to afford, by what we can physically and mentally handle, and so many other factors that may be out of our control.

If you start your business today, try not to get overly discouraged in a couple of months if you don't see the huge turnout that you had in mind. Rome wasn't built in a day. It can take a long time to build a brand, to gain a reputation and a following, to learn a craft and be great at it. Success doesn't come overnight. But if you love what you do, keep at it! If you start a business out of passion, it will show through you and your clients and customers will see that. As long as your heart, your soul and your mind are in it, keep going. Just try your best and keep pushing. Everyday. When raising a child, you don't feed them just one day and that's it. You keep at it, day in and day out. ​Consistency is key when being a business owner. When you do what you love, you won't work a day in your life.
Peace & blessing, Kathy Borie :)