Entrepreneurs: In a League of Our Own

I’ve had entrepreneurship on the brain lately, as I work to grow #Strella Social Media in our seventh year. My executive coach said that

some people think that owning a business is a dream come true, but they have no idea how much work is involved. I couldn’t agree more. For businesses trying to grow, it’s even more difficult. Growing pains make the journey even more challenging.

I frequently encounter misconceptions about being an entrepreneur. It’s not ‘real’ work. We have a lot of money. We can work whenever we feel like it. We are starry-eyed dreamers seeking new thrills. While these stereotypes may fit some businesses, it’s certainly not the case for us.

Here’s the reality: The work is more difficult than anything I’ve ever done because I am not only chartering unknown territory nearly every day, but I’m also wearing a lot of hats. Revenue fluctuates frequently, causing us to shift our plans at a moment’s notice. Work/life balance is a constant struggle. And, there are days that the only starry-eyed dream I have is one where I make it through a day without putting out a fire.

So, why do I do it?

Because I want something MORE. In previous sales and marketing positions for past employers, I worked my tail off to bring in leads and develop relationships with prospects. Some of my employers did not care as much as I did about the end goal, and ultimately, I was unmotivated to continue. I wanted to see the job through and I wanted a reason to get up in the morning. Simply collecting a paycheck was not enough.

That’s when I knew I had to run my own show. It was a huge risk and it will continue to be, but I survived. And, despite the setbacks and challenges, I actually want to get up in the morning. I’m excited about it for the simple reason that I have say in the outcome — I am in control of the end result! That level of responsibility is scary to some people, but it’s incredibility exhilarating to me.

If you’re an entrepreneur, does your heart leap when you have an idea, a new project, or a challenge to solve? That is raw passion! I feel it and I enjoy the company of people who share that vision.

However, there are just as many who do not share my passion. Some of them include people that are closest to me. They do not like risks and prefer the comfort of a steady paycheck and a regular schedule. I don’t judge them, because the world needs both types of people. Funny, I am sometimes judged as the nay-sayers of my chosen career path are compelled to set me straight. But, their challenge is more fuel for my fire. I am doing this for me. It’s what I’m supposed to do and it’s where I am supposed to be. How many people do you know can say that with certainty?

My coach was spot-on when he concluded this about entrepreneurship: People who don’t do it, can’t understand it.

Fellow entrepreneurs and business owners: can you relate?