Starting your own business is tough. Beyond taxes and all the paperwork that you have to file just to get the business launched, now, suddenly, it seems you have to do the work of several people. You’re an accountant, a billing specialist, a salesperson, a marketer, an inventory manager, and a production worker – and that’s just a few of the roles you might have to take on. This level of multitasking can be overwhelming.
So, why does anyone start their own business? I suspect we all have very personal reasons that look similar to each other’s in some cases and vastly different in others. For me, my two main reasons were freedom and purpose.
I had a comfortable, well-paying job with benefits. I was writing and editing for businesses, and I was working with good people. What I was missing was the chance to grow on my own terms and the ability to fit what mattered to me into my life. I didn’t want to be the stressed-out mother, wife, and friend I was becoming. Whether you’re an employee or you’re self-employed, there are trade-offs. In my case, the need for creative and personal freedom began to outweigh the security afforded by a career working for someone else. I knew I needed to take care of myself – to fulfill my need for freedom and purpose – in order to be there for the people I love with an open heart and a present mind.
On top of this, instead of working on whatever was put in front of me, I wanted to take on a more personal role in helping businesses with their content marketing. Words matter, and using the right words to craft your message matters more than most people realize. If I can help another small business owner or entrepreneur create real value for their customers or potential clients, that’s when I’m satisfied. There’s a lot of junk out there on the internet, and I’m tired of seeing businesses throw time and effort at creating junk that no one will ever see.
When I write a blog post or case study, I want to know there is a strategy behind it. I want to know who I’m creating it for and why it matters to their audience. Without a strategy behind your content, you’re throwing money away. And I loathe the idea of throwing money away, don’t you?
So, here I am. I’m running my own business. I’m able to take half a second to breathe between working and picking up my child from daycare. When he’s sick, I can be there for him because I control my schedule. And I’m able to bring value to my clients because I’m invested in their outcome and am able to give their goals and strategy more than just a passing thought as I create content.
What were your reasons for starting a business? Are you still enjoying the benefits you thought you would when you first launched?
Great content! Keep up the good work!