Fire in your Belly, Passion in your Heart
What is the primary difference between working for a company and being self-employed?
I asked Michele Hood*, who has succeeded at both, about the differences in mind set. She answered that you need to evolve your decision-making process if you want to be a successful business owner.
"In a corporation there is always someone higher up who makes the final decision," says Hood. "So many people fear making a mistake that they don't make any decision or even risk taking a new idea to their boss. As a business owner you make all the decisions yourself. Some may work out and some might not, so it's important to be able to laugh and move on."
In addition, the successfully self-employed have learned how to change how they think about money, something I call "the money mind set." Here just a few four examples of how successful business owners change their money mind set.
- Invest in you. The successful self-employed invest in learning the skills sets they are missing, such as marketing and sales. The word "sales" makes some people cringe. Business owners, no matter how small or large, are in sales. Nothing happens until someone buys your services or product. Selling is simply a transaction of money. Money given for money received.
- Pay attention to money details. They pay attention to the administrative details of their business. They shop for an accountant that works with business owners. Plus they determine at what point they will hire out support functions such as a part time assistant or bookkeeper.
- Follow the dream. The successful self-employed have a rainbow that motivates them even on the darkest days when nothing seems to be working. Be sure your reason for doing what you do is bigger than your fears. Stay connected to your successes by spending more time talking about your dreams than your drama.
- Manage the isolation factor. Even if they have employees and a family, the successful self-employed also have a peer group or advisor who understands and supports their vision. They are lifelong learners who never stop being open to new ways of thinking.
Joyous Prosperity,
Marilyn August,
Wealth and Wisdom Seminars
America's Leading Mind Over Money Experts
Michelle Hood, MaryKay Independent Consultant
