Whether you are already in business or looking to start a business of your own, what has brought you to this point? I can honestly tell you that if your answer isn’t a passionate love of the business, then quickly check your surroundings for the nearest exit and beat it. Sounds harsh, but that is the best thing I can say to protect everything most important to you. Don’t throw everything away betting on the donkey at the horse track. When the days get long and the nights get even longer the love of the business keeps you in the game. You need something more than the job to keep you going.
 

Money
I love this one I must say. If money is the driving force for business then a 9 to 5 job is the best bet. I’d be very cautious about loving something that won’t love you back. A nice bottom line will be the result when passion meets execution. Of all the reasons for business ownership this one I hear more often than not. Would it also surprise anyone that this is generally the reason that businesses close? Trust me I put two and two together some time ago and the answer changed my life.
 

Anger
A very close second is good old fashioned frustration. Spending day upon day working towards another person’s dream really gets to some people. Tired of taking orders from someone else when you know that you can perform better on your own? Well I hope you keep your resume’ fresh. Once fatigue sets in anger and frustration goes out of the window and that 9 to 5 workload doesn’t look so bad anymore. This scenario is the most heart breaking to watch as the business and those that support it are tossed aside to make room for a hasty escape back into the workforce.
 

Legacy
Ever seen the look in parent’s eyes when their child finally gains the courage to tell them that they don’t want to go into the family business? It is absolutely devastating. It is especially hard for those parents who started a family business with the intent to pass it on. Even worse is the purchase of a business for our children without first making sure that their passion is there. Be ready to step in and run the business yourself should things begin to go south or if there is a change of heart. It happens, believe it or not, and can be easily avoided by discussing the entire situation in a calm, open setting before any money is put on the table.
 

I love it!
Whatever it is, you have to love doing it. That love or passion whether for customer service, baking, or king crab fishing will give you the fuel to go the distance. Business ownership is an opportunity to build success and wealth doing what you love to do. This passion will bring you the most enjoyment out of business and life in the long run. Keep in mind that just because you love something doesn’t mean that you are good at it. Lucky for everyone that you can learn how. It is possible to learn to love the business that you are in, just as it is possible to learn how to make a business out of what you love. Follow your passion. Just make sure that it’s the right one.