Let’s Get Real about Entrepreneurship
Let’s face it… the corporate world has changed as we know it. Employees have become an expense that some employers often seek to decrease or outright eliminate. A few years ago as I was waiting for my plane to take off, instead of witnessing the traditional airline stewardess explaining the evacuation plans, out from the ceiling appeared a monitor depicting 2 stewardesses demonstrating safety procedures. At that moment, I realized employees were becoming easily replaceable.
On the same day, while shopping at a popular discount chain a cashier happily informed me I could assist myself by going through the self-check out aisle. “Isn’t this great?” she excitedly proclaimed. I responded, “Yes, it’s great if you don’t mind the same machine replacing your J.O.B.” The perky cashier failed to realize the innovative equipment was not installed simply to make it convenient for customers. That piece of machinery could easily reduce the cost of several employees.
We have to take a realistic look at labor market trends taking place in corporate America. The whole theory of creating additional streams of income is a concept that should be adopted by anyone seeking financially security. Self-employment is certainly an option to subsidize income or simply to replace your job.
But before you strike out on your own, if you haven’t already, you must understand…growing a successful business is a process. I have seen too many entrepreneurs seeking short-term gratification and an immediate return on their investment only to be disappointed by delayed hopes of wealth and success.
Running a business of your own is far different than working for an employer. As an employee you have access to the expertise of other staff members, who are available to complement your skills and to share responsibility for mistakes and problems that may arise.
One of the biggest obstacles facing many women business owners is lack of access of capital. Show me an under capitalized business, and I will show you a business unlikely to survive the national average period of 3 years. You need money to do just about anything you want to do; especially to grow a successful business.
