Should You Start Your Own Business?
2 comments March 11th, 2008
Starting a business is an exciting-albeit sometimes frightening-venture for entrepreneurs. The great news is there is an overwhelming need for quality writers. There are plenty of writers around, but there is certainly a difference between acceptable and exceptional writing. If you are dedicated to providing superior work, your clients will likely return to you again and again.
Let’s start by looking at the benefits of starting your own home-based writing business.
It’s incredibly affordable. You’ll have little overhead expenses to worry about. You’ll need your computer, an Internet connection, a phone, a dictionary, a thesaurus and a ream of paper.
If you work at home, you’ll generally be able to claim the room you work in on your taxes every year-check with your accountant or tax consultant for what you can specifically claim.
Are you a night owl like so many other creative souls? Then work through the night, if you want. Owning your own business allows you flexibility of when and how you work. Of course, you’ll always want to make sure your clients have easy access to you throughout the day, so set office hours.
No more sitting in traffic. Unless your creative muse is strongest when you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you’ll no longer have to suffer through those long hours away from your computer.
You’ll be able to choose with whom you work and with whom you don’t work.
Take a few minutes and jot down the benefits to you personally of starting your own business. Then jot down the cons of striking out on your own. Which list is stronger?
You may have already decided to start your own business, or you may just be in the consideration stage. You’ll want to take this time-no matter which position you’re in-to sit down and think about everything from how well your personality is suited to entrepreneurship to if you’ll start part-time or full-time.
Now let’s look at whether or not you have what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. If you’re a writer, you already have the discipline and ability to work independently that it takes to succeed as a business owner. However, there are some other things you’ll also want to take into consideration, especially if you are not currently a full-time writer.
Why are you starting your business? Take a few minutes to sit down and write why you want to have your own business. In other words, are you starting this business because you have passion for what you will be doing? Passion is often more important than even education. According to the Small Business Administration, most entrepreneurs got poor grades in school.
What are your goals? Do you hope to make enough money to support your family, or are you just looking to make some extra money? Defining your goals in this early stage will ensure you are following the right path to success.
Are you a self-starter? If you’re a writer, the answer is certainly clear. Any writer knows how critical independence and discipline are to success.
Can you taste success? Will you literally work around the clock, if necessary, to make sure your business takes off? Entrepreneurs have a strong will to make sure their venture succeeds. Do you?
Think about your family: Are they supportive of your business venture? Starting a business takes a commitment of time, and you’ll need to expend a lot of your time focusing on your business, time that might usually be reserved for your family.
Are you going to take the plunge and start full-time off the bat, or do you want to just get your feet wet by going part-time to begin? Your finances will likely be the biggest factor in making this decision.
Think carefully whether or not starting a business is right for you. It’s a big decision and something to which you must be 100 percent committed if you want to succeed.
Beth Williams is a full-time writer and published author with more than a decade of professional writing and editing experience. She has written hundreds of online and offline articles, ebooks, audio scripts, Web site reviews, Web content, newsletters, press releases, and more. To learn more or to hire Beth, please visit http://www.creativeinklings.org
