When we first launch our business, our primary ‘want’ as an entrepreneur is seeing the business get off the ground. Over time – and with experience and wisdom that come from growing your small business – the principal ‘wants’ of entrepreneurs begin to morph.
Some of the most common entrepreneurial wants in order of their listed importance include:
- More time in the day – This is an interesting ‘want’ in that entrepreneurs don’t really want to work more hours. Haven’t you already extended yourself and your days beyond the normal capacity for a human being? What entrepreneurs really ‘want’, however, is to achieve more in the time they have dedicated to their business. Would you agree?
- Working capital – Available capital can be a challenge for smaller, boot-strapped organization. It’s a source of frustration, as well. Having the cash flow and the capital to acquire the necessary resources is important to the growth of the business. A business can’t grow beyond capacity without the infusion of capital to invest in the components that will free up the owners time to focus on the higher level, strategic development of the business.
- More sales – Well, we can’t argue with this one! Sales make the business work. The question most small business entrepreneurs need to answer is: Do you need more sales or do you need more clients? From my vantage point as a strategic business consultant and coach, most small business entrepreneurs need more clients.
- Reduce stress – No argument from me! I’m continually amazed at how common an experience that is among entrepreneurs. Isn’t it nice to know that you’re not alone?
- More sleep – This goes hand-in-hand with reducing stress although it’s hard to decide which one comes first. Placing boundaries around work hours, initiating physical activity, unplugging from technology an hour before bedtime can make for a more restful night of sleep.
- Adoring, paying clients – Oh, how I love this! Yes. Yes. Yes. Who wouldn’t want adoring, paying clients. However, would you be just as happy if you had good paying clients – whether or not they were adoring? It is a fact that working with clients that are a good fit make for a healthier business. (Is it Smart Business to Fire a Client?)
- Successful exit – Your exit strategy is worthy of consideration from the launch of your business. The sooner you identify what it may be, the more time you have to develop and grow in that direction. And, its so much easier to be on that path from early stage business development than to have to deviate from an ill-fitting course that you are on in later stage business development.
Not all entrepreneurs are created equal, thank goodness. The ‘wants’ of entrepreneurs are as unique as their fingerprints. The key is to have a clear vision of yours. Once you gain that clarity, you’ll be astonished at how quickly solutions and opportunities come your way.
If we can help in any way to assist with identifying your true wants, reach out to us today. We’re here to support entrepreneurs – just like you – in growing yourself and your business.
Sound off. What are your primary wants as an entrepreneur?
