Entrepreneurs Think Different That Small Business Owners
November 15th, 2009 by Steven SchlagelI coach and consult with many small businesses about starting or buying, and then running a small business. We work together on streamlining processes, hiring staff, developing a marketing strategy to allow for increased income to pursue their dreams. But there is more to understand than the nuts and bolts of running a business.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs have different mindsets. Many small business owners transitioned from being employed in a business similar to the one they now own - and in many ways they STILL see themselves as employees. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, are more likely to start businesses from scratch, think big, plan for a sale of the business, or start multiple businesses at once. They work on their business looking for opportunities today and in the future.
The small business owner tends not to work on their business but rather they work in it and get very married to it. The downside is that when the economy gets tight the small business owners often end up in survival mode. For the entrepreneur, the down economy is just another opportunity waiting for them.
How can a small business owner change this mindset? Take some time to sit down and envision what you want your entire life to look like, to feel like and how your business fits in with that picture. Write it all down. The more details of this future you can tease out, the better. What does an average day look like in your future? How much money does your business need to make for you to move into thrive (vs. survive) mode? How would you spend that income? Or is it free time that most lures you? How do you feel in this world? Don't spend much time on the "how" right now. Focus on the "what".
Most business owners have a strong gut idea of what they really want, but practical thoughts bring them down. When detailing your life's vision in writing, skip being practical. The "how's" can what. Take time to focus on the "what" for now. Don't pressure yourself with timelines. Just getting a detailed vision down on paper can be enough to help you bring it to reality.
When you've written a detailed vision of what you want work and life to look like, it is important to feel it. If part of your dream involves a new car, what does the steering wheel feel like in your hands? How does that book you wrote look and feel? Professional athletes do visualization all the time. Tiger visualizes his perfect putt hundreds of times before he actually makes it. They work with coaches to help them with this process. Why shouldn't this work for you?
What's your big vision, the one you hesitate to share with anyone? Are you married to your small business, afraid of economic change? Start changing your survive mentality NOW. Think like an entrepreneur: BIG.
With 30 years of consulting experience, Steven Schlagel offers for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for to increase your success!
categories: entrepreneur, small business owner, motivation, visualization, success, vision
