When asked, most freelance professionals and other small business owners will say that flexibility and the freedom to set their own hours was a very big part of their decision to become self-employed. They got tired of working long hours; missing out on quality time with their spouses and family; or doing the things they are passionate about.
Reading my previous post, 1000 Marbles, made me wonder. Have we become “The Man”? Have we become exactly what we tried to escape?
I bet most of us have let our business become the largest focus in our life. We work long hours to make the sales, order the supplies, networking, or working late at night on administrative back-office tasks so it won’t take away from the time we could be out “working”. I know I’m guilty of this, myself.
What happened to those dreams we had of flexibility? Time with our family? Going fishing on a nice day?
Just something to think about. A “doink moment”, as I call them. And if you haven’t done so already, go read 1000 Marbles. It’s worth it.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to starting a brand new business. One model says find what you like to do, then build a business around it.
The second model says find an existing need, then find a way to fill it.
That being said, if your passion also fills an existing need, you better run with it!
I’ve started businesses both ways. I’ve had good and bad results with both. Objectively, though, I’d have to say that finding and filling an existing need has been, by far, the better way to go for me. I’m lucky, I discovered a passion for filling that need, and I love what I do.
How about you? Are you following your passion or filling a need? Or both?
SBA NEWS RELEASE
Press Office
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Marie Johns Confirmed As SBA Deputy Administrator
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Release Date: June 22, 2010
Contact: Hayley Matz (202) 205-6948
Release Number: 10-35
Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news
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WASHINGTON –Marie C. Johns, a longtime advocate for small businesses, was confirmed by unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate today as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Johns, who was nominated for the post by President Barack Obama, will be the second-ranking official at SBA, with major responsibility for management, policy development and program supervision.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Marie Johns as Deputy Administrator of the SBA,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Over the past two decades, Marie has dedicated herself to creating great opportunities for small businesses and the local community in Washington, D.C. Marie’s strong leadership will help provide small businesses with the guidance, support and tools they need to grow, create jobs and continue to drive economic recovery throughout the country.”
“I am grateful to President Obama for his nomination and it is an honor to assume the role of SBA Deputy Administrator,” Johns said. “I am excited to join Administrator Mills and the entire SBA team to serve the interests of small businesses across this country. The SBA mission is fundamental to the economic strength of our nation; that is, give small businesses the support they need to grow and create jobs.”
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The short (professional) version:
I’ve been involved with business development and technical writing for over 15 years. I’ve owned several different types of small businesses including data networking, e-commerce, and marine surveying. I’ve done more than my share of copywriting, web content, brochures, newsletters, business plans, and white papers during that time for both myself and others. I’ve also written as a correspondent for my local newspaper, the Galion Inquirer. I’ve worked as a Police Officer, then Investigator in Washington, D.C.; as a Network Engineer for a major telecom; and even did a few years working on the railroad. How’s that for diverse?
“So…what do you do?”
That’s pretty much one of the first questions anybody asks when they meet me. The short answer (the one they are looking for) is that I help small businesses make money.
In my head, though, what I do doesn’t fall into a neatly defined box. I want to answer about who I am, what my passions are, what’s important to me. What I do is follow my passions. Helping others, spending time with my wife (who is a creative genius), my dog (that’s Biscuit in the pictures), sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, reading, learning, helping others, mentoring, restoring old boats…this is what I do. Even trying to learn to play blues on the harmonica. Like that’s ever going to happen. LOL.
Read more... (689 words, 2 images, estimated 2:45 mins reading time)
