What They Don’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship
Eventually there comes a moment when you serve your business instead of the other way around.
In just one week I have attended two conferences, been booked as a guest on several podcasts, delivered pro-bono consulting to someone close in my network, hosted my own webinar to help a colleague with the visibility of a project, and delivered a training webinar on e-learning development.
Yes, much of this was quite enjoyable. But I didn’t do it for me. I did it for the business.
Oh, and of course between all of this I am doing day-to-day tasks required to run a business. You know, the stuff like talking with customers, holding team meetings, speaking with potential vendors, and brainstorming other ways to expand our products & brand.
As I look at my calendar at what is coming up I am left wondering: how did I get to this place?
Because I can assure you that things weren’t always like this. I wasn’t always this busy and booked-up with constant demands on my time.
In fact it used to be quite the opposite.
There was once a time when I didn’t have any employees, no one was calling to have me as a guest on any webinar, podcast, or publication. No conferences, meet-ups, or masterminds. My day literally involved answering some pre-sales and support tickets and then going for a run.
Simple.
But like any ambitious Entrepreneur, I wanted more. I worked tiressly and when that “more” was realized, it became obvious that my relationship with the business had forever changed.
Starting a business is like starting a relationship. Everything is exciting at first. You get that “butterfly” feeling in your stomach with the smallest wins, and your day is completely ruined with the smallest setbacks.
As you get used to the entrepreneurial highs and lows you begin to take everything in stride. What used to matter doesn’t anymore. It is just more stable and there is comfort in that stability.
But like any long-term relationship, keeping the flame alive and well takes effort. If you get too comfortable then the business suffers. You have to find new and creative ways to stay motivated.
I think this is something any successful business goes through, and if you have dreams of entrepreneurship then this could very well be your reality… and you might not like it.
Your daily tasks will change, as will your role. As you bring on team members you will have to learn to give up control on things that you have always been responsible for. Trust me, this is hard. It’s something that I am still working on to this day as I learn and grow with the business.
I have now realized that at some point my business stopped working for me, and I instead have started working for my business. The business is bigger than any one person now. That’s actually a good thing, but it has been an adjustment.
This isn’t really talked about in entrepreneurship. Controlling your time is just a fantasy that entrepreneurial publications pitch. If you care about business growth then this will be short-lived. Enjoy the moment because soon everything will change. Not for the worse, but it will change.
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