BUSINESS IS PERSONAL…

BUSINESS IS PERSONAL…

Who ever the wise guy or gal was that created the slogan, “Business is business, it’s not personal” had this statement only half correct. Anyone who’s built a business from the dirt floor up knows that without a doubt business is personal. In my opinion the tears, sacrifices and stress that go into building a business can’t be summed up or defined by a calculator equation alone.

In the world of black and white and yes or no answers…this is half true. For example, just because you love your idea doesn’t mean you can ignore a growing pit of debt. Or overlook the fact that sometimes you do have to let people go that you care about because they can’t do the job. Now let’s dig into this statement from the entrepreneur’s standpoint of what this statement doesn’t include.

The reality is that our businesses are a reflection of the creator in every facet. We eat, sleep, breathe and shed many tears over our companies in their development. They might as well have a chair at the dinner table they are such a part of our lives on a daily basis. When you invest a huge portion of your income – or should I say give up a portion of your income – to pursue this business, give up time with your family, give up sleep waking up at three a.m. stressing over how to pay the bills, and give up a third or more of your living space to accommodate it, to say this is not personal is a bunch of “you-know- what”.

It’s more personal than some entrepreneurs ever expected. There is no such thing as leaving it at the office or waiting until the next business day. The best opportunities in my life have come from the “light bulb moments” at a restaurant where I’m sketching out my next design on the back of an IHOP receipt. There is nothing better than following the creative passion that makes an entrepreneur unique and special, but…

As every good businessperson knows, a good idea without a solid financial plan and structure will often collapse upon itself. So don’t be foolish. Just as a parent does for a child, you must provide all the key ingredients to a healthy upbringing for your business. However, make sure you balance your uniqueness with the obligations to your company’s long-term growth. Never give up what makes you unique, but be responsible in controlling how you develop it.

In the end the statement I think should read, “Building a business is one of the most personal endeavors one can embark on…but don’t be foolish and run it into the ground by putting your ego first and your business’s foundation second. Nobody will love your business more than you do, but no child can live on love alone.”

Written by Roxanne Reed