Six reasons to start a business

Why should you start a business?

Just in case you still need convincing that its a good idea to start your business, here are some really good reasons:

One: The feeling of achievement and a legacy.

The feeling of having achieved something and leaving a legacy is often excluded from most lists on this subject but in the end its what will give you the most satisfaction. When you can look around you and see a successful business that you started, which is now generating profits and employing people, the feeling of pride and satisfaction can be immense. Try it. Just picture what might be.

Two: Income and profits.

The second reason on this list is the most common and obvious. We begin our business ventures to provide an income for ourselves and hopefully to generate profits that can make us wealthy. The unfortunate reality is that most will start a business because they have to. They need some sort of income and can’t get a job. Others are more fortunate and have the opportunity for more planning and funding and start their businesses with an eye on the profits it can generate. Whatever your circumstances, a successful business can earn you the cash we know you are so keen on.

Three: Help build a better country.

Now this might sound a bit fantastical, but almost all South Africa’s current problems are either caused by or made worse by unemployment and poverty. By creating a new business you generate income for your suppliers, you pay taxes which the Government will hopefully spend wisely and if you employ staff you are creating jobs. This employment gives people an alternative to crime, it keeps business experience in the country, it helps reduce the inequality gap and it gives people dignity.

Four: Lifestyle improvement.

Don’t set your sights too early on 2 hour work days and 3 day work weeks just because you’re the boss. It might end up involving a lot of work. However, within reasonable limits, being your own boss allows you the flexibility of being able to focus on friends and family when necessary and not having to be set in a rigid 8am to 5pm inflexible work regime. 

Five: You’re the boss.

Another common reason for starting a business, but one that comes with both a positive and negative side. Yes you may not have a boss yelling at you and demanding excessive work, but instead you will still most likely face angry customers, difficult suppliers, inflexible bankers and government bureaucracy. There will be a lot more responsibility on your shoulders and many problems to solve. However, if you can get it right the benefits are yours.

Six: Its how it should be.

We find the concept of the employer – employee relationship a little problematic. On the one extreme you can run the risk of having a demanding and insensitive employer who can terminate employment at short notice. On the other theoretical extreme you can have an incompetent or unmotivated employee who legally receives a whole lot of benefits that they probably do not earn or deserve.

Its not an equitable relationship. It makes sense for a group of people with various skills to get together to create a business, but for one to control the others like a king as though they are his subjects … nah that just doesn’t seem right. Even the appearance of stability as an employee is an illusion. No, rather our goal should be for everyone to have their own business. Not every business needs to employ staff. We know its not for everyone and the employment model does have some benefits in certain cases, but come on don’t you at least want to break away from it for a while …  just to try out the independence?