Are your reasons to start a business the right ones?

I definitely don't want to discourage you as a woman entrepreneur, but as a coach, my job is to make sure that you are doing what it's right for you.

In this page you will find, not the only ten, but probably the most popular wrong that I've heard, when asking my clients:

Why do you want to start a business?

1. Because is the new cool thing to do and everyone is doing it.
   If this is your answer, all I have to say is: Are you for real? but as crazy as it sounds I've had clients telling me this. It seems like everyone is starting a business, from the paper boy down the street, who just opened a virtual ebay store to the paper boy's mom who finally started the spa that she always wanted to have. And if they don't have a business, they are talking about starting a business.
   Please, remember this piece of advice: The only reason to start a business is because you want to do it. Talking about starting a business is easy; doing the work to start a business is hard; so make sure you do it for the right reasons.


2. Because you want to be a millionaire.
   Entrepreneurship goes beyond than becoming a millionaire. Yes, you will become Rich in so many areas, as long as you enjoy and love what you do, otherwise it'll be more a pain than a pleasure. But, if all you want is to become a millionaire, buy the lottery, your odds are better that way!


3. Because you want job security.
   Especially in times like today, where companies are laying off employees left and right, it's a little scary to think of the future without a job. In fact, some statistics indicate that getting fired is a common precipitator of entrepreneurship.
   Just remember that most small business owners make less money than they earned working for someone else, and they get the privilege of working 24/7. But what's worse is that they still don't have job security, because the failure rate of small business is so high, due to lack of knowledge and the inability to focus from most entrepreneurs.


4. Because you want to be the boss and in total control.
   Freaky Control, or control freaks... There is really nothing wrong with wanting to work for yourself, but this is a typical example of a denial statement. What happens in most cases is that there is an underlying condition that trigger us to be controlling. I won't stop when you get to be the boss, unless you plan to be a one woman shop.
   If you are thinking to start a business, with growth potential, you need to know that you will have to delegate functions and tasks, therefore you can start saying good bye to your need for control.


5. Because, Lucky you, just came into some money.
   Why would you want to use your own money to fund your venture? Not even Donald Trump does that. Leverage! that's the key word. So it doesn't matter if you just won 1 Million dollars, or if you just got an inheritance, or just parents just told you they've been putting money aside for you; if your reason to start a business is that you have some extra cash; my advice to you is to go and spend it where at least you'll enjoy it, because with that as your reason, you will probably loose it all.


6. Because if "She" was able to do it, So can you.
   If this is your answers, I smell some self esteem issues. Who are you trying to live up to? Really, there is no need to try to keep up with the Jones or the Reeves or anyone else. Trust me, unless you have a strong why behind your decision to start a business, you'll end up more depressed and frustrated than before.


7. Because some of your family members need a job.
   To begin with, investors really don't like organizations where uncle Ben and cousin Susan are the bookkeeper and lawyer. It looks unprofessional and it may cause you serious problems and headaches if you need to make serious decisions.
   Not to say that if you have someone very talented in your family you shouldn't employ them, but don't use this as your reason to start a business. It isn't a strong enough why.


8. Because you want to do something risky.
   I can probably come up with a list of 100 things riskier than starting a business. Just to give you an example: driving a car, the stock market, going for a hike in bear country. All these are risks that you can't control, but the risks you encounter when you start a business, can be and should be planned and calculated risks.


9. Because you got a great idea.
   Starting a business is about taking action, and a lot of people stay in the thinking phase. Are you there right now? Well, my advice to you: "get a coach" why, because that's in a nutshell what I as a coach do. I empower women to take action towards their goals and their dream life.



This one is classical for women:

10. Because my husband wants me to.
    And my question to you is, do you want? I can't not beginning telling you how many hours you are going to have to dedicate, away from your family, to your business, especially in the beginning. So, if you are going to start a business to please someone else, I don't think you'll be able to achieve your dream life.

You should start a business because that's what you Most want to do.

It's great to do a cons and pro scenario, in fact that is a fantastic habit to pick up if you are going to become a woman entrepreneur, but make sure this is what you really want.

It is a good sign if:
You can't stop thinking about it; Your friends are tired of hearing you talk about your business; You are day dreaming about it; then you probably have a very strong why inside you.

Not sure how to focus that "why" and convert it into action? Make sure you inquire about our FREE Discovery Coaching Session

Carmen Shearer
Founder and CEO
Entrepreneur Women Coaching and Training, LLC
(800) 980-3928