Be True to Yourself

Are you running a business or pursuing a hobby?  challenged Pat Mussieux, our speaker at a recent dinner event.  Good question. 

So much depends on why you started your business in the first place and what your end goal is and lastly your definition of success.

For many women, turning a hobby into a business is a logical next step but that doesn’t mean that they want to make lots of money, but more that they want to lead a productive life and pursue a passion.  Does that mean they are not true “business owners?”

I’d argue that they are, but their definition of success is different.  For each and every one of us, our definition will vary.  The key is to be true to your own.

We all strive for different things out of our businesses, and yes, when you have to put food on the table, you need to be more driven to succeed, you have to be.  But for some, the motivation is more about taking control of our lives or living a meaningful life that makes a difference in the lives of others.

I’d hate for us to get into the same competition from years gone by, when stay-at-home moms and those who worked outside the home, each considered themselves better than the other. 

Why you start, pursue and build a business is your choice and how big you want to make it, is up to you.  Don’t let others determine your definition of success. Let’s respect the decisions others make and not compare or compete with one another on who is a “real” entrepreneur.  We all are, to one degree or another.