For many people, becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business is a lifelong dream. They want to work on their own terms, escape the nine to five days, and build wealth for themselves instead of an unappreciative boss. There are plenty of reasons aspiring business people give for jumping into the entrepreneurial world, but, unfortunately, the reality is often very different from what they believe it to be. Here are six things that no one tells you about starting a business.
1. It’s A Rollercoaster Ride
Running a business of your very own is truly like riding a rollercoaster. Some days you’ll face the highest of highs, and other days you’ll handle the lowest of lows, but, most of the time, you’ll have to deal with both almost simultaneously. For this reason, you need to build a strong support network to keep you going. They’ll be there to lean on, confide in, and share your victories with.
2. Family Should Come First
A major part of your support network is naturally going to be your family. With that in mind, it’s crucial that your family is always at the top of your priorities and that they’re supportive and happy about your new entrepreneurial life. You are going to have to risk a lot to make it big in the business world, but risking your family isn’t worth it. Always make time for them and their needs.
3. Help Is Always Necessary
Most newbie entrepreneurs assume that every job, task, and problem in their business is going to be theirs to deal with. Thankfully, this isn’t the case. For your own health and happiness, you’ll need to start delegating work to others. For example, you could use agencies or freelancers to handle outsourced payroll. You’ll also need some permanent employees and business mentors.
4. Finding Balance Is Challenging
Extra free time is something many aspiring business owners look forward to when they quit their jobs and build their startups. Unfortunately, you probably won’t get as much as you’d like. In fact, more often than not, you’ll have to give up some of your free time, including weekends, to work on your business. This makes it incredibly difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Everyone Has Unwelcome Advice
As important as it is to have people support you, with so many people around you, you’re sure to get some unwelcome and unhelpful advice. You’ll see just how opinionated people can be and hear suggestions from individuals who have never been in your shoes. You don’t have to listen to all of the advice you hear, but you should remain polite and friendly regardless.
6. Early Success Is Rare
Whenever you hear entrepreneurial success stories on the news, they’re always about individuals who made it big overnight. This can make it seem as though every aspiring business person can do the same. Unfortunately, that’s far from factual. Early success is incredibly rare and a major stroke of luck. If you want success yourself, then you need to work hard for it.
Building a successful business is not easy to do, but it’s so much harder when you jump into entrepreneurship without the facts. Hopefully, with the knowledge and advice above, you’ll find your journey a little less stressful.
