Get in the Game

I've been going on and on about writing off computer equipment, software and internet access, but really that's only the tip of the iceberg. If you own your own business there are many advantages that you can enjoy especially at tax time. But rather than dwelling on the tax write-offs all week. I'd like to talk about the process of going into business for yourself. It's really not that hard to do. Sure you have the legal hoops that you have to jump through in getting your Federal Tax ID and setting up your business registration through your local and/or state agencies, but those tasks are relatively simple and very inexpensive to put behind you in short order. The toughest part of the process for most isn't the red tape, but actually deciding what it is that they want to do for their business.

This discovery process can be quite fun. It's as easy as making a list of all of your interests and all of the things that you love in life. Because let's face it, your business isn't going to thrive unless you truly love what it is you set out to build your business around. If you have a hobby, there's usually only a fine line between dabbling in a hobby and spending a lot of time and money to turning your hobby into a cash cow. The difference is in how you think about your hobby and how you present that thinking to the rest of the world. Are you an expert at something? You can become a consultant. Yes you can even be a consulting hobbyist. There are always people who are searching for information at all levels in any particular area. Information is valuable.

If you already have a career or a job, that's fine, but don't you think that there's more to life than the daily grind of commuting, punching in & out only to repeat the steps 5 or 6 times a week? And for what? What are you getting out of your job except for a check that goes straight to paying the bills? Or maybe you're one of the lucky few who actually have a job that is in direct correlation with what it is you love to do. If that's the case, then all I can say is welcome to the club!

If you're already in business for yourself, you probably already know the importance of doing what it is you love doing. Without that level of passion, the success rates go right out the window. It's none of my business what you do to start up your own business. My only concern is to get you interested in the concept of running your own business. Get the creative juices flowing and urge you to follow your dreams. Anyone can run a business. It's the size and magnitude of the business that requires varying levels of skill to pull off. Do what you love and build a flourishing business model around that passion and you have the blueprint for success. If you ever require assistance, don't be afraid to ask. Entrepreneurs are among the most sharing and caring people I know. Most of my friends own their own businesses. I don't know if this is a birds of a feather thing, or if it just has to do with the economy of living in paradise. But no matter where you live or what your interests are. There's really nothing more satisfying than running your own show.