There are so many different reasons to we start a small business. Each person has their own reasons and driving factor. It takes something special to want to go from 40-50 hours a week working for someone else to working 24/7 for ourselves.
I am curious about what makes a small business owner decide to take a huge risk and create their own destiny. I know for me it was the ability to be in control of my income and be able to create and develop projects that I wanted to create; things that people need and to be a resource for others.
The other day I was thinking about all of the different reasons that drive business owners to do what they do and I started this list of motivators. Is there one or several that calls out to you?
Money – is a powerful motivator. Often small business owners start a business on the side to earn more and then it evolves into a full time business
Power – can be a huge motivator for some. Being in control of your business and leading it to greatness is something many enjoy.
Recognition –can fulfill a need that being just a number in a big company didn’t give you
Building Connections – interacting and building relationships with other small business owners has its pluses and many people thrive with that
Thrive – speaking of thriving, being able to grow and express yourself as a business owner in your products and services is a huge motivator. Many people live for that growth and development
Freedom – You have the ability to do want you want, when you want. That is powerful for some.
Creativity – often repressed in a corporate environment, having the ability to be a creative force is powerful and a driving factor for change
Pride – having the ability to say “I did this” or “I created and built this business” is powerful
Passion – when you have the passion for your business and what you do, it is a strong force that just has to be fulfilled
Status – for some, status is a big motivator. They need that type of recognition and it gives them pride
Being Autonomous – some people need to work on their own to develop and grow. Developing a small business is a perfect answer
Credibility – being able to create and develop a business that is strong and makes a difference is a great way to earn credibility in this world that may not be found through employment
Enjoy the Challenges – so many people need a challenge to produce great things. Small business development can do that for you
Solving problems – if you are a problems solver, creating an answer through your business is strong motivational factor for many owners
Making an impact – creating something that changes the world in a way is a powerful way to make an impact using your small business
Helping others – so many people need to help others and using a small business in that way fulfills a need and fills a heart
Family – missing the development years and working too much is often a reason for change and developing a small business. Many decide to create their business with family to be able to spend more time with them. It can also be a prideful reason too. Showing your family that you can be successful
These are some of the motivators I came up with. Is your motivation factor found in this list? What drove you to create your business?