In the past 7 years I've worked with self-employed professionals and small business owners everywhere. I know the vast majority of small business owners need help with these things:
- Setting a clear vision for their business
- Adopting good business practices
- Keeping up with trends in the SBO world.
My experience is verified by the research in Tammy Lam's infographic for Intuit, which confirms that a full 67% of small business owners start their business because of a personal passion. Get that – NOT to pay the bills, but because of a passion for what they do.
Like that 67%, I began The Confident Marketer because of a passion to see other self-employed professionals get comfortable with the marketing activities that are critical to their business success. At the time, I already owned another profitable business. I kept seeing how small business owners were so talented and good at what they did, but were not making enough money to keep going. I've seen that, on their own, most small business owners will not step up to learn the business side of their work.
Why?
- We say we don't have the time
- We say we don't have the money
- We are resistant to learning about and watching cash flow, operating costs, and profit margins
- The “business” part of business isn't what we are passionate about (only 21% of us start a business to pay the bills).
But here is what's hard to hear and absolutely true. Those who resist getting the help they need get stuck, discouraged, short on cash flow, and end up putting in tons of work for little or no profit. They lose the support of their family and friends, who wish they'd just go get another job and stop grinding themselves down.
When I see a struggling small business owner I literally feel sick, because I know that the majority of us could succeed if we would combine our awesome passion for what we do with clear vision, good business systems, and a commitment to seeing ourselves as a business owner with passionate interests – not someone passionate about their work and “too busy” or “too creative” or “too overwhelmed” to be a businessperson. It's why I mentor self-employed people, and why I set up the Business Mentorship Program. If you have been in business for a year or more I invite you to apply for my program and get the information and support you need. Put your stake in the ground and commit to that passion of yours – and make it a passionate but well-run business that gives you the life you want.
Awesome post, Sue! I totally agree wth everything you said. Most folks don’t go into business because they want to learn more about running a business. They go into business because they are passionate about their gifts. The critical thing, however is to learn how to successfully run your business so that you are able to share your gift.
Thanks, Tiffany.
Sue
I can believe that statistic based on working with different business owners. For many, working the business side is like having to “eat their vegetables”. They know its good for them, they just don’t want to do it.
Sue – AMEN! “Keeping up with trends in the SBO world” is the main reason I work with coaches and mentors. There is so much to know in so many different areas of business, that there is no way I can keep up on everything. I turn to my coaches, mastermind groups, and mentors to help me learn the key things I need to know and it is such a blessing!
Hi Jen,
Yes, trending is a great use of coaches and mentors. Me, too!
Sue
Sue
Wow, thats a lot of people in business who are passionate about what they do! I had no idea! and you are spot on – we also need to know how to run a business and need biz savvy mentors just like you!
Your biz knowledge and ideas have always impressed me!
Trudy
Hi Trudy,
Thanks for the compliment. 🙂
Sue
Great perspective Sue. I find this is so true in my field. There are so many nutritionists who have their own business, or who want to, but have no business savvy. It’s a real struggle. Everyone, no matter what type of business, needs business processes, structure and vision. So fabulous you are out there to help! Robin
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your comment. Nutritionists along with other health-care professionals don’t learn a lot of the business end in school – which I wish would change!
Sue
This is such an important message, Sue! I am always amazed when my fellow business people tell me they have no idea what their expenses are or what their income is. They have allowed their passion to completely overshadow the nuts and bolts part of being in business. Yep, maintaining a business isn’t usually very sexy, but it is a necessary part of it. I think people devalue themselves, their vision and their passion by ignoring it (or making excuses for not doing it). Thank heaven for folks like you!
Hi Linda,
I agree – the money part of business is the hidden, shameful part to some biz owners – and it should be a focus, obviously!
Sue
Thanks for the excellent post Sue. Reminds me of the E-Myth. I think we can all relate to the passion and also to the “grinding themselves down” part of entrepreneurship.
I didn’t know the exact percentage, but I did know most were like me … and you. That we started our business because of passion. Thanks for this reminder. I’m at one of those places where I need to revisit original passion. You know, that “interest creates energy” thing I keep talking about with my Strategic Story clients. Thanks Sue.
Jeff,
I think we all have to “revisit original passion” now and again. We change, and our passions shift along with that.
Sue
You are RIGHT ON Sue. I am passionate about what I do and I have HAD to go out there and learn what the heck it means
to have and grow a business let alone figure out my message, my market and get help from smart people like you. YOU were the one who helped me clarify my message and brand! Thank you!
Sheila,
It was a total pleasure working with you. I tell people all the time you are the true Dr. Oz. 🙂
Sue