The Inspiration Behind Small Businesses

People start their own business for a variety of reasons.

Some grew up that way. Their parents may have been entrepreneurs or they started with a lemonade stand and never stopped. It is in their blood and they cannot think of anything else they would rather do.

Others get laid off. While dealing with the sudden impact of losing all their income and the emotions of a surprise attack, they respond by going out of their own. Perhaps, they were on the “older” side and struggled to get a new job (we can discuss the ridiculousness of ageism another time). Maybe they were sick of workplace politics or employee treatment. When at the crossroads of losing a job, some choose to use their expertise to start their own business. As I once heard, you can lose all your income in one day, but you likely will not lose all your clients in one day.

Solving a problem inspires others to start a business. They see a need that is not being met and create a solution.  It is in their blood to be solvers and come up with the next best thing or a solution for the wrongs they see around them.

Flexibility can be an inspiration as well. A person’s spouse’s career may impact their own job, so they choose the more flexible route of entrepreneurship. Others choose the flexibility to balance their family needs, such as caring for kids or elderly parents.  Many of our Freedom Makers are full time or part time virtual assistants based on the need for flexibility that goes along with the military lifestyle. They want to work and keep their working skills strong, but must find something that they create because 9 to 5 jobs at brick and mortar buildings are not ideal when moving every 2 to 3 years. They have gone out on their own.  They work for Freedom Makers and have found meaningful work.

For me, I wanted the freedom to run a business in the best way I could think possible. At the same time, while I was in the Air Force, I knew I wanted to be in business but I wanted to do all of it. Indeed, I told a career coach during business school I wanted to be a CEO because they touch every part of the business including strategy and leadership. It took me a while to find the right idea for me but here we are, nearly five years in and I get to be involved in all aspects of business. 

Share your story with the hashtag #iamsmallbusiness. The future of work is through entrepreneurship. Why did you start your business? Your story could inspire others!