[Brilliance] 10 Important Benefits You May Have Forgotten (aka- The Joys of Being an Entrepreneur)

The strangest thing happened to me the other day. I was invited to the Cape (aka Cape Cod for those of you outside Massachusetts), and my response was I needed to check my schedule. Wow! That response stopped me dead in my tracks. The invitation was for 3 weeks away that was certainly enough notice to reschedule the 8 appointments that were scheduled during that time frame.

Why was I so hesitant? I realized it was that old corporate mindset popping up and the belief that I wasn’t in control of my own schedule. That I needed to get someone’s permission. Yikes- wasn’t one of the reasons I became my own boss to have the freedom? I needed to get back to living that. This was a deep awakening that I was starting to get off track.

If you’ve ever worked for a company, one thing they’ll always talk to you about is benefits. Benefits, benefits, benefits. Things like: vacation/time off, staffing, your hours, potential for growth and other things like that. Some companies even try to woo you with amenities, such as: gym memberships, on-site cafeterias, on-site day care and even on-site ping pong tables. During the last decade when all of the internet booms, they were even promising fancy luxury cars and stock options.

That experience made me remember the top 10 benefits I get my having my own business. I thought I’d share them with you in case you’ve forgotten some of them, too.

1) I’m in charge of my own schedule. I can choose when I want to work. The days and the hours I want to work. I can go for a long walk, to the gym or for a haircut in the middle of the day. No more requesting time off.

2) I can choose the clients I want to work with. If I don’t feel someone resonates with my core values and aren’t a good fit, I can wish them well and say good-bye. No more being told who I “had” to work with.

3) I can choose what to say “yes” and “no” to. I can work in a steady, positive manner being excited about all of my opportunities. No more having to justify to my boss or being told what to do.

4) I can decide what to charge. Whether it’s $100 or $1,000,000 – I can choose. No more being told what my services are worth or being at the mercy of a corporate structure to get a raise.

5) I can make decisions on the type of marketing and business model I want. I can make quick decisions. I can decide the pace of my business growth. No more having to get approval from layers and layers of management.

6) I can create my own mission statement of what my business’ values are. I can install the values I want. No more following someone else’s values and looking the other way when theirs don’t match mine.

7) I can decide how much I want to make in my business. I’m in charge of my income. No more having financial goals being set by management.

8) I can dress in a way that feels good to me and create a work environment that makes me feel good. My home office has been “feng shui’d” and makes me happy. No more cubicles!

9) I can hire the team I want and have the mentor/coach I want to support me. I can find the best people who will totally support me. People who understand my core values, dreams, missions and want that for me. No more relying on the luck of the draw.

10) And, most importantly, I can create my own vision. I can have success on my own terms. No more having my dreams and goals be dictated to me by corporate culture and expectations.

One of the reasons I started my business was to have the freedom to live my dream. And to do it as my own boss. I am. When I find I veering slightly to the left or right, I put myself back on course. And, I’m heading to the Cape for lobster, clams, beaches and family. It doesn’t get any better than that!

If you’re not on track, let’s connect for a complimentary Discovery Session and find out how you can get back on course. Here’s how to apply: http://www.tinyurl.com/discoveryKate

Be Brilliant,