The Day You Decide

Over the weekend I received questions from a third grader who needed to interview a business owner. One of her inquiries was “why did you want to own your own business?” While I was pondering her questions, I got the mail and received an envelope from a client.  But this piece of mail wasn’t just a check – it was also a thank you note and included several fun pop-open “inspirational cards.”  My answer to her “why” was right there in my hands. This is the second time this year that a client project has wrapped up with gifts of appreciation. I am guessing most “accounts receivable” folks don’t often get pretty thank you cards with payment. The “why” is not about the items – it is the sentiment behind them.Being able to help other professional women achieve their goals is incredibly motivating. Of course, getting to chose with whom I work and setting my own schedule is also pretty grand. I did tell the youngster about other parts of business ownership, like the need to balance finding new business with getting current client work done.  I also talked about having to do it all – including my least favorite part – accounting.  But it is all worth it when you know that you have helped someone accomplish a project that was a hurdle to jump. Helping clients move the needle on projects big and small provides a sense of both service and accomplishment.Becoming a business owner was not something I decided to do on a whim.  It takes a good plan, the right circumstances and just a little bit of good fortune.  When all that comes together, this Japanese proverb does come true – The day you decide to do it is your lucky day!