Being in love is great. Being in love with your business, when you’re an entrepreneur, is even better. Waking up each morning knowing you are getting to do exactly what you love is more than most people could ever say about any “job” they have had. Although there are days when tossing in your hat seems like a viable option, remembering how much you love your “job” can quickly snap an entrepreneur out of that mentality. Different business owners also have different reason why they love their business. It might be the products or the customers they deal with, or it could even be the fact that they are the ones in charge of it all. The reasons are as varied as the businesses themselves.
We asked some entrepreneurs what they loved about “being their own boss.”
#1- I get to control my own schedule and destiny
As far as the schedule, I am a long distance runner, so I cherish having the ability to stop working, and go for a run, whenever my schedule is free (not whenever a boss might allow or want me to go). As far as my destiny, I get to set whatever goals for my income (or any other aspect of my business) that I want, and the sky truly is the limit. I cannot imagine negotiating with an employer over my salary or work terms. Instead, I have a crystal clear understanding of the link between my hard work, and my income, which wasn't the case back when I worked for other law firms.
Thanks to Tina Willis, Tina Willis Law!
#2- Allows creativity and flexibility with my time
As an entrepreneur, I launched BareEASE, a prep kit that numbs the skin before bikini waxing or laser, in the same way skin is numbed prior to placing an IV in a child. In an attempt to raise money for my start-up, I accepted the challenge and opportunity to compete as a castaway on the hit reality TV show SURVIVOR. (Unfortunately, I didn't win the million dollars!) BareEASE was also featured on SHARK TANK (Season 5). While I wasn't selected by one of the five TV sharks, I was able to create a partnership with a private equity group that saw my segment. Outside of the operating room, I attempt to balance work, life, and being a mother to two toddlers.
Thanks to Edna Ma, Dr. Edna Brands!
#3- Working with people, helping people and finding business solutions
I enjoy the excitement of running a growing business and finding opportunities that work. Much of our growth is planned, such as most of the acquisitions we have made over the last decade (there have been eight in all, with a couple that were unforeseen opportunities that we reacted to almost on the spot), but sometimes things happen that no one can anticipate. One of those times was within the last year when a microburst ripped the roof off our headquarters, and we were forced to re-allocate resources to our other locations. This led us to buy a building in an adjacent community. I spend time in national trade associations and sit on a number of boards, which gives me insight into where our industry is headed and the chance to help shape that direction. I enjoy mentoring people, both employees who come through the ranks here, and other dealers who I work with when it comes to our industry's best practices. What I love about being an entrepreneur is working with people, helping people, and finding business solutions that make a difference.
Thanks to Chip Miceli, Des Plaines Office Equipment!
#4- Three things
I love being able to take initiative, explore ideas, and empower team members to do the same. It's especially rewarding when my position allows me to turn those ideas into something that can make a difference for the business, our customers, and our employees.
Thanks to Cedric Savarese, FormAssembly!
#5- Trying new ideas
As an entrepreneur, I love trying new ideas. We have a core business of screen printed and embroidered apparel, but within that we have developed a number of specialties. One that we are launching is USAShamrock.com, which takes our Irish apparel lines to new levels. It's a webstore- and we have had lots of fun coming up with the design of the shirts, stickers, decals and more. I love the creative part of this business and seeing our work products in action, whether it's for a fundraiser, a corporation or special cause. Our shirts have been in the movies, in Marathons, at St. Patrick's Day parades, and more. I love brainstorming with my team about new ideas and new projects. And, 30 years into this business, we just took a big leap and have opened a new location in the suburbs of Boston. It's a big investment, but I know it will pay off!
Thanks to Jack Doherty, College Hype!
#6- The ability to control my own schedule
What I love the most about being an entrepreneur is the ability to control my own schedule. Similarly, this too is the hardest part about being a small business owner. The demand you put on yourself to be the best at what you do and deliver optimal results for every client makes the job be 24/7. Although it can award you great success and the ability to make life easier for your family and those who you care about, balancing the scale and maintaining an adequate work/life balance and a semblance of a social life can be tricky. At the end of the day, loving what you do and pursuing your passion makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks to Rubin T. Sloan, Immersive Concepts!
#7- The challenge of staying at the forefront of a changing industry
I had an interesting opportunity at an early age to join a family business that my father started in 1972; and I took over the company about 25 years ago. We sell, lease and service equipment that generates documents (printers, copiers, and so forth). I've had the chance to lead our company in new directions, switching from analog to digital, and now embracing Managed Print Services (a new model of doing business in our industry). We've made an acquisition of a smaller company and have added some products and services. What I like is the challenge of staying at the forefront of a changing industry, and finding ways to provide solutions for large companies who are concerned about both the cost of document management and the security of it. I like being part of peer groups of industry leaders where we can share and benchmark best practices. I like the challenges of always looking to make a business better, and working with bright and talented people.
Thanks to Ray Belanger, Bay Copy!
#8- Amazing team and our mission
The amazing people I work with every day and our mission as a company is why I love being an entrepreneur. I'm fortunate to have 200+ dedicated ‘Maniacs' who show up every day to help America's small business owners grow their businesses. We're not just a marketing company – we're on a mission to revitalize the U.S. economy. If every small business successfully generated more leads and revenue, and thus had to hire more staff to manage their growing businesses, there would be more jobs and less unemployment. Everyone wins this way!
Thanks to Joy Gendusa, PostcardMania!
#9- Freedom to seek opportunity
I knew from an early age that I wanted to take my future into my own hands. I like to play by my own rules and enjoy taking risks. I am very fortunate that thus far the risk has always been worth the reward. By starting my own company, I have been able to follow my passion to create change and disruption for the benefit of humanity. With my team, I have been able to create products that help people live healthier lifestyles. My position enabled me to create a platform of growth and prosperity for the people that work hard and share in my ideals. Becoming an entrepreneur has enabled me the freedom to seek opportunity in every conversation or new connection that I make, and to pursue ideas that others simply don’t see.
Thanks to Benjamin Fleischer, Pyure Organic Stevia!
#10- Connections and business expansion
I learned about business the hard way. My first business was a grueling retail gift store in Astoria NY where I worked long hours trying to make money for my family. When direct mail became popular I translated my retail experience to direct mail. It was a chance to apply all my skills and expertise in marketing and sales. Soon after, the Internet came into existence and so did my first website and digital catalogue. It was a vast undertaking because I had over 1,000 items to sell, but I had something else going for me: a genuine and fearless fascination with technology. I always remained open to new ideas and it wasn’t before long that I realized I had found my comfort zone. Running my own business over the Internet using shortcuts made my work easier. With all the innovations and online tools at my disposal, I have been able to create new businesses and streamline my business models while expanding my universe of customers and audiences. And through the process, I have connected with thousands of people also looking to fulfill their dream of being their own boss.
Thanks to Diane Eschenbach
#11- Everyday challenge
I love that every new day comes with a new challenge. I am required to rise above challenges and solve problems. It is an honor to be in a position that expects so much of me. I became an entrepreneur to build something from nothing, and I believe every obstacle represents that dream. I would be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t approach every single challenge with joy.
Thanks to Bo Lais, Lula!
#12- More learning opportunities
I love the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurship presents – from creating something from scratch and accomplishing my dream one day a time, to seeing exponential results and continuously striving to be a better person and professional. Entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats, which essentially means more learning opportunities. There are fantastic days and there are tough ones, but each offers a chance to learn, uncover new solutions and determine how best to evolve.
Thanks to Anna Crowe, Crowe PR!
#13- It allows me to focus on interesting things that matter
I love being an entreprenuer and business owner becasue it allows me to focus on things that matter to me and things I find interesting. I have worked for others in the past, watched the way they run their business, and how much time I was putting in to make someone else's dream a reality. Because of this I started my own PR firm.. I am a publicist, focusing on entertainment, sports, and tech. I have two brothers that are also in the industry, and I always knew I never wanted to be in front of the camera. Most people consider me strong and assertive, so this is the way to control the conversation. In ever business there are ups and downs, but when you get to do what you love, that doesn't matter.
Thanks to Kiedra Tyson, B3 Face Forward Public Relations!
#14- Many reasons
I love being an entrepreneur for many reasons. Some reasons I can't even really describe it is just this driving force and thrill I get from being an entrepreneur. However, for some more practical reasons, I absolutely love the challenge of starting and creating something successful. I love the freedom it allows me, and I love being of service to my app users and strive to help them make their lives better.
Thanks to Vivek Chugh, Listables!
#15- My employees
When you're at a point to hire employees, it is a situation like no other. Taking a product/service and growing it together creates a special type of relationship with owner and employee. You will work long days while suffering the losses and celebrating the wins, but you do it all together. My employees are one of my favorite aspects about being an entrepreneur.
Thanks to Garrett Smith, Pitch + Pivot!
#16- Three reasons
Being able to choose which clients you want to work with (once you’ve made it) has been the most liberating and rewarding feeling in the world. Being able to help foster a non-traditional career path for our growing team has been the most rewarding (especially when I can see one of our interns grow into a professional event producer over the years makes my heart flutter). Being able to help influence the industry I am in by devoting more time to volunteering, speaking and/or just mentoring the next generation has also been rewarding and eye-opening.
Thanks to Cindy Y. Lo, Red Velvet Events!
#17- Being on an incredible journey
Being an entrepreneur means being on a continuous road of self-discovery and growth. There is flexibility and many options but being an entrepreneur allows you to be on an incredible journey. The best part is having the choice of which area you want to take your business. I also believe the best part about being entrepreneur is overcoming challenges and obstacles because it will contribute to your growth. If you review every obstacle and challenge you encounter, it will make the feeling success even better than what you imagined or hoped for.
Thanks to Kiera Casanova
#18- Innovation
Every entrepreneur has a different story about why he or she decided to start a business. Entrepreneurs are innovators. Think of all the new technology and ideas that have come to life over the past few years. Those were all once just an idea — but amazing entrepreneurs brought those ideas to life.
Thanks to Rod Brown, OnceLogix!
#19- The journey
What is there not to love about being an entrepreneur? The hustle, the grind, the struggles, the journey? They are all part of your story. The low points accentuate the highs. Being an entrepreneur means you get out of it what you put in. It is not always going to be glitz and glamour. You won’t always have things work out in your favor. And, even when you do, you may question what you could have done to make things more favorable. But why would you change that for anything? Being an entrepreneur means having a vision, taking risks, and learning from your mistakes along the way. You may never reach your destination. But you 100% ever will, if you don’t try.
Thanks to Steve Clayton, SoundSkilz!
#20- Freedom and time with my family
What I love the most about being an entrepreneur is the freedom of working from home (and from everywhere in the world) and to be able to spend more time with my family. I love my path particularly because I'm in this to change the world. As a gender equality and LGBTQIA consultant, the owner of an activist magazine and a non-binary fashion brand, I love knowing that what I do is bigger than myself.
Thanks to Regina Carbonell, Milk Originals!
#21- Mondays don’t suck
What I love about being an entrepreneur is that Monday’s don’t suck! Instead of having to dread going back to the grindstone, as so many people do, I'm instead working on my own projects, doing things I actually want to be doing.
Thanks to Ben Taylor, HomeWorkingClub.com!
#22- Wide range of choice
When I started The PR Rose six months after college, it was initially because I could not find a job in or out of my major. I decided it was something I had to do rather than what I wanted to do. In just one short year i've fallen in love with my business, the life I live, and the opportunities i've been fortunate enough to be apart of. What I love about being an entrepreneur is the ability to pick the people I want to work with, the projects I want to work on, and being able to put my all into finding opportunities that fuel my passion.
Thanks to Kayla Rose, The PR Rose, LLC!
#23- Never Feel Like Working
I used to work at Microsoft. I used to have the comfort of a six-figure salary and a 9-5. I rarely took work home with me. And I hated it. Since I became an entrepreneur, I've been able to pursue my true passion in helping businesses in ways my past jobs never let me. It's given me control of my creative process and an outlet to test new ideas. I love that quote from Marc Anthony, If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I feel that way every morning I wake up.
Thanks to KyleWillis, No to the Quo!
#24- I can choose who I work with and how I manage my time
While a lot of so-called entrepreneurs have traded their working life for trading time for money on a slightly bigger scale, I work in mysterious ways. I have never sent an invoice to any company and am actually earning much more money than most of my colleagues doing similar things. The main reason that I love being an entrepreneur is that I can choose who I work with and how I manage my time. In my case, I love being known as a Budget Coach, while making most of my money through my blog promoting money-saving products and websites.
Thanks to Alexandervan Dijl
#25-I don't have to put up with co-workers I don't like
My most favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is that I can sleep-in as late as I want to, and completely justify it by pretending I am in a meeting. I love the freedom of being able to work on what I want, and do it when I feel like doing it. Being able to work from home is great too, I get to spend the whole day with my dog and my work is always waiting for me when inspiration strikes. All that is GREAT, but without doubt, the VERY best part is that I don't have to put up with co-workers I don't like.
Thanks to Robby Sorensen, Finger Puppets Inc.!