In 1997 I was travelling in the Memphis area and I sat down at a Chili's in Cordova, TN to have a drink or two. Sitting at the bar, three sheets to the wind, was a young man about my age (I was 21 at the time) drinking the same top-shelf margaritas I was drinking. The bartender told me what he did for a living and I inquired as to how he did it.
He got tired of the same old grind and decided it was time to do his own thing. He talked to people he knew and got referrals and the next thing you know, he's got 2 full-time landscaping crews working the Memphis area. I was impressed.
Then he told me something that still lingers in my mind to this day. "Just go out and do it," he said with a rising emphasis on the word "do."
So as I was thinking today while driving, it occurred to me that the young landscaper was still correct and I should go out and do it.
I have compiled my top ten reasons to be my own boss.
1.) You call the shots not someone else.
As I get older I have trouble taking orders from someone, especially someone who thinks they know what they are doing. More often than not I hear stories of incompetent managers who are more concerned with being in charge instead of leading those in their employ.
2.) The money you make is making you richer and not someone else.
The people at the very top of their businesses have their hopes, goals, and dreams lined up in front of them and they WILL leverage their people to achieve them.
3.) Serious tax advantages.
Always consult a professional but there are a lot of things that can save you money on your taxes.
4.) You get to choose the people you work with.
Getting along with your people is a very important part of your work so why not surround yourself with people who support you and that you have chemistry with.
5.) You can follow your passion.
As an expert doing your own thing, you can share your passion and inspire others. If you're doing what you love then it won't feel like work.
6.) You get to be a real leader and connect with people.
Everybody is going to look to you for guidance and you get to lead them. Not only that you can use your position to inspire people to become better.
7.) You get things done - FASTER.
Entrepreneurs do not like red tape as a whole and you can as a business owner bypass a lot of the red tape that many other businesses use to increase your output and get a desired result faster.
If you're reading this there is one more thing I have to tell you. Just go out and do it.
