BE YOUR OWN BOSS… THE ROAD TO SELF EMPLOYMENT
By DAVID DAY

So you want to start your own business. You want to be your own boss. Self-Employment is the fastest growing area of employment in North America. Every day thousands of people start their own business. Should you? Do you really know what you’re getting into? Seven out of ten small businesses fail in the first year. Of the surviving three two of them fail in the second year. The odds of being successful in a small business are one in ten. But you can change those odds in your favour. You can start your own business, beat the odds and be successful. To do this you must accept this fundamental truth that being a successful entrepreneur is a skill like any other, it can be taught and it can be learned. This is a process that takes time. Be patient, the time you take now will pay big dividends in the future.

The road to self employment is not easy; there is a price to be paid. It takes hard work, determination, sacrifice and focus. Self employment is not for everyone. Choosing to be self employed is like choosing to have a baby. It is a life altering decision which must not be made without careful consideration. When you first start your business it is exactly like a new baby. It will demand all of your time and attention. It will have an impact on every aspect of your life. Think about this; discuss it with your friends and family. The decision to become self employed should not be taken lightly. Be sure you are prepared to pay the price.

Step one: Focus your Desire. Wanting to be your own boss is not enough. You need to have an intense desire to succeed. Your passion is rocket fuel. It releases enormous power! Desires start in the mind. You must analyze the intensity of your desire. Does it dominate your thinking?

You will find that thinking the same thought regularly becomes habit forming. If you keep your mind focused on what you want you will achieve it. The more detailed you make your thoughts the more intense your desire becomes. Take out a piece of paper and write down why you want to be self employed. List what you see as the benefits of self employment. The more benefits you conjure up the more unstoppable your desire becomes! With intense desire fueling your self employment dreams you have every chance of rocketing to success! Next time, Step two: EVALUATE your business idea.

David Day B.A., B. Ed. M.A., Senior Partner, BDC and Associates

David has over 30 years of self-employment and senior management experience, in both the private and public sectors. In addition to his extensive business experience David is also a professional adult educator and much sought after speaker.

As Senior Partner of BDC and Associates and Business Advisor for SEEDS, he is responsible for strategic planning, administration, human resources and service delivery.

David has been recognized as, the Man of the Year by the Canadian Association of Japanese Auto Dealers, the Man of the Year by the Professional Marketing Association, the Speaker of the Year by the Success Motivation Institute and has received the prestigious BC Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

David is also a Business Advisor with SEEDS the Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society. SEEDS is a non-profit organization funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada dedicated to support the development of entrepreneurs and the growth of businesses in our communities. Clients of SEEDS receive training, business plan development, on-going support and financial assistance. For more information contact SEEDS at (604) 590-4144 or attend a SEEDS information session held every Thursday at 1:30 at Suite 104-7565-132nd. Street, Surrey, BC, V3W 1K5