Being an entrepreneur or business owner has its share of ups and downs. While the downs can be pretty low the ups always seem to triumph for a true entrepreneur at heart. Milestones are what entrepreneurs and business owners work towards. Once you finally reach a certain point then reflection can truly begin. Finding enjoyment in running your business keeps it from becoming stale in the long run. No matter which part you love most, loving them all is equally as important. We asked several entrepreneurs and business owners what their favorite part of running a business is and below are their replies.
#1- Not having a boss
I would have to say the best part of running your own business is not having a boss. I know it is obvious, but until you actually get to the point where you are financially independent and do not need to answer to any authoritative figure, its quite liberating. I've had a series of horrible bosses in the past, and the idea of having more in the future is scary. Its this feat that keeps me working even harder to insure that I never have to answer to anyone else again. Also, and call me crazy, I enjoy the responsibility and pressure. I thrive and work better under pressure, so when running a business and all everything and everyone look to you to make big decisions that influence the company, I actually enjoy taking part. Sure, there is stress. Sure, sometimes you want to pull your hair out. But nothing good in life ever comes easy.
Thanks to Daniel Ali, My Quick Startup!
#2-Quick reinforcement of the hard work you put
I’m a big fan of the quick feedback loops. With a startup you can work hard and hustle for a day or a week and you’ll often see the results of that work in another day or week. That quick reinforcement of the hard work you put in is addictive and isn’t something I saw when I worked at a large corporation.
Thanks to Jesse Lakes, Geniuslink!
#3- Ability to make the schedule for my business
My favorite part of running a business is having the ability to make the schedule for my business. Having ‘control' of just about every aspect of this business according to my own determination of it's priorities; where they lie and how quickly (or slowly) they should be implemented is an awesome feeling. Granted, it's a lot of responsibility, but it definitely beats waiting for someone else's word on how (and when) things should run.
Thanks to Debbie Burgin, Chicks Dig Beards Organic Beard Care!
#4- Creativity and new opportunities
The creativity that running a business inspires – every day is like starting with a blank sheet of paper. You get to create your day how you want to, as intense or as easy as possible. You get to control your schedule to allow for work-life balance. There's no limitations to your success, no restrictions. Not one day will ever be the same and that whats beats out any other job out there.
Thanks to Andrea Maxim, The Maxim Movement!
#5- Knowing that my future truly is in my own hands
There is unlimited potential in running a business, which means there is a never a day that going to work feels like a drag. My favorite part of running a business is knowing that my future truly is in my own hands.
Thanks to Janis Isaman, My Body Couture!
#6- Seeing my clients reach their potential
Being in the social media marketing industry is wild because it's a relatively new field and the technology changes very quickly. The power of social is palpable and I feel like I can really make a positive difference in my client's lives. Seeing them reach their true potential in a few short months is very rewarding–especially the skeptics–and making a living while doing it is icing on the cake.
Thanks to Chris Parks, Founding City Social!
#7- Making a difference in the lives of others
Being able to do what you want to do, when you want to do it, and how you want to do it while making a difference in the lives of as many people as possible.
Thanks to Ty McLaughlin, OnceLogix!
#8- Building Something of My Own
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between owning my own company and working for someone else is the sense of pride I feel in building something of my very own. There is this amazing feeling in being successful through my own leadership, abilities, ideas and efforts. One really cool thing about owning my own small business is that people are interested in me and my story. This gives me a chance to share with the world our great USDA certified organic skin care products.
Thanks to Zondra Wilson, Blu Skin Care!
#9- Being accountable to yourself
My favorite part of running a business is having no one but yourself to hold accountable. Whether you are celebrating your success or replaying a failure over and over again in your head, it's all on you. While this can certainly be terrifying, it's a learning experience, and with these growing pains comes more knowledge and confidence that you can apply to future situations. Being a business owner doesn't mean you have all the answers, but it means you're willing to learn more every day, and this evolution can lead to being a successful and smarter business owner.
Thanks to Lily Taban, Fig & First!
#10- Knowing that we made a positive impact in a customer's life
My favorite part will always be knowing that we made a positive impact in a customer's life. Getting that heartfelt thank you letter from a user who actually extracted the true value of our product compensates all those long hours and sleepless nights for me. These are truly my most satisfying moments as a business owner.
Thanks to David Kosmayer, Bookmark!
#11- I can take vacations and know that my team is there and I don't need to worry
Aside from the obvious perks such as sleeping in or leaving early when the day isn't busy, I LOVE spearheading the team in my office. The camaraderie between me and the employees is heartwarming, and essential to making our customers happy. We have spontaneous meetings with a ton of back and forth and always come up with ideas that benefit us as well as our customers. We recently decided that since the shipping costs have gone up so much, that we would offset the cost of shipping by sending free Finders Key Purse(r) (our flagship product) to each customer. I would bet that our customers are appreciative of the fact that we actually care about them. Being a part of a great team makes my life much easier, and the company more lucrative. I am proud to say that I hired every one of my team players based on their abilities to work in our casual, fun culture and not on their resumes. So far, so good!
Thanks to Sandy Stein, Finders Key Purse!
#12- Two things
I especially love two aspects of running a business. First, there’s the thrill of seeing the company grow and expanding our reach internationally. Second, the fact that you are working on something that you are passionate about and that you could do this while having lots of productive fun.
Thanks to Sean Hopwood, Day Translations!
#13- Being able to work with great people
My favorite part of running a business is being able to work with great people on a product and service that makes a positive impact on families by helping them feed their babies, toddlers and kids fresh, nutritious meals conveniently and reliably.
Thanks to Jennifer Chow, Nurture Life!
#14- Reaction I get from the women who use my medical device
The favorite part of my business is the reaction I get from the women who use my medical device. They thank me for helping them. Women should not suffer the physical, mental and emotional trauma from pelvic pain. There are answers, there are solutions and there is help. It’s my mission to help these women live a normal, fulfilling life, and the very favorite thing I love about running my business.
Thanks to Tara Langdale-Schmidt, VuVatech!
#15- Designing sandals and creating personal connections with our clients
My grandfather started Canfora sandals in 1946. He designed shoes for Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Sofia Loren and many more. I am carrying on the tradition of Canfora handmade sandals My favorite part of the business is designing the sandals and also creating personal connections with our clients who come back season after season. They become part of the history and family of Canfora
Thanks to Costanzo Canfora, Canfora Sandals!
#16- Meeting other business owners and hearing their stories
My favorite part of running my business is meeting other business owners and hearing their stories. Being B2B, I talk to hundreds of businesses a year and nothing gets me more pumped about helping their business grow then after a call with a prospect about their business, why they started it, and what their goals are.
Thanks to Jarod Spiewak, Spiewak Marketing!
#17-Never A Dull Moment
Waking up each and every day to the unknown is my favorite part of running a business. I like the opportunity to solve problems and make decisions quickly and effectively. When running a business, everyday is different, never boring or mundane! Just like Peter Drucker said, The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.
Thanks to Christy Cook, Teach My!
#18- Control of how I spend my time
My favorite part of running a business is having control of how I spend my time–everyone's most valuable possession. I get to do work I love to do that makes a positive difference in the world. I don't have to sit in mind-numbing, poorly run meetings or take direction from a boss who may not be as intelligent as I am and who may not know or care what makes me happy. This is my definition of work nirvana
Thanks to Terry Doc Dockery, The Business Psychology Company!
Which if your favorite part of running a business? Tell us in the comments below