When mulling over why I am such an advocate of people working in your own business in some form I ranged over the options.

Is it?

1 Wanting

To be rich?

A better lifestyle?

More time with your family and friends?

More time for sports and recreation?

2. Or a need to

Fulfil a long held ambition?

Create a product from your world beating idea?

Create something which will be your legacy to - your family, your community, mankind?

Express your creative talents?

Create income?

3 Is it?

Break from employment?

No more 9-5?

Relief from boredom?

A general desire to be less tied?

I have been thinking this over because I have come to realise that what seems so compelling to me may not generate the same compunction in others. This means it will be different for most people so I needed to be clearer on my own motivation.

Having risen to the top in the corporate world I led a management buy out. When we were finally on our own I was staggered how much more creative time we had to devote to running and developing the newly acquired business. At last freedom from meetings, reporting, politics and in some instances freedom from unpleasant people..

Later, after we sold the business I decided to move to another group of businesses and got embroiled in corporate politics again. It was at this stage that I started plotting my escape realising for me it's the freedom that counts..

When finally I was in the position I felt I needed to make the break and start my business I decided to start consulting. Advising and helping business owners and managers on how to grow their businesses and in some cases take their personal lives in another direction. This became the most satisfying period of my career.

So the question is why? Well, having thought about it I do believe in my case it's the freedom that counts.

Freedom to;

Be my own boss.

Work only with those I wish to help.

Set my own rates of pay.

Work only when it suits me.

Pursue potentially profitable ideas when I wish.

Go where I like when I like.

Take my holidays at times to suit me with out having to go back to the company, which once happened.

Avoid any politics.

Learn new skills and pursue what interests me.

I could go on but I am sure that you see why to me it's the freedom that counts, because from the above list almost anything else you may want to do will flow.

If you are thinking of taking the plunge be sure you know what your real motives are. Do it positively so that the freedom counts.

Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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