It’s National Small Business Week here in the United States. It has us thinking about the state of small business.
According to an article on Portfolio.com, small businesses failed at record rates from 2008 – 2010. Interestingly though, startup rates have been climbing since 2006. In fact, the number of new businesses hit highs not seen for a decade in 2009 and 2010.
It’s an interesting paradox. Why would so many people start a business when so many others are failing?
Many people get stuck. They want to start their own business. But the key word is “start” – they just can’t seem to do it.
You need a reason to start and it has to be one that will push you over the edge. So let’s look at five reasons for starting up a small business.
1) You’re driven by a dream
You know what you want to do. You’ve thought about it and thought about it. You’re tired of just thinking about it. You have to do it. If you vision is compelling enough, it will push you off the fence.
2) You want to take control
We live in a tumultuous world. Companies hire…Companies fire. Your fate may be in the hands of someone hundreds or thousands of miles away who doesn’t even know you. Your desire for control may help you make the leap.
3) You know you have so much more potential
You feel stagnant. You know you’re stuck. You’ve gone as far as you can with your company and in your industry. But it’s beyond that – it’s not just about career advancement. It’s also about personal growth. You know you could do so much more. It’s time to show the world your true potential.
4) You have a cause
A vision is one thing. A mission is another. You have a compelling “why”. You feel it with every ounce and inch of your being. It’s ingrained in your soul.
You have a cause and you’re afraid that if you don’t work for it, no one will. So you must start today to do the good work you were born to do.
5) You have “winner’s fear”
Losers are afraid to fail. So they can’t bring themselves to risk being embarrassed or hearing “I told you so.” On the other hand, winners are afraid of not trying. They just can’t accept not knowing if they could have done something more and been something greater. This winner’s fear drives them to move forward.
These are a just a few of the reasons for starting a business. What’s yours?
Image in this post from stock.xchng
