I believe the reason we build a business, in part, is for more freedom. As the business owner you often have more flexibility and less accountability. Of course, you need to meet the client’s needs or you will not earn an income. Deciding how to secure more freedom in your business is about balance.
Pay Your Dues
First, if you are just building a business I will tell you that you have to pay your dues just as you did in the corporate workplace. It is different, however, when you own a business. You have more authority and knowledge in the daily running of it. There are some things, however, that must be done to begin to grow and scale your business.
So, paying your dues is part of the course. It can come in many forms including some of these…
- Long Hours
- Unsure Decision Making
- Mistakes On Many Levels
- No Quick Fixes
- Earning Less Pay
- Physical Exhaustion
- Mental Exhaustion
And many other ways could be included. It’s safe to say that you will probably pay your dues mentally, physically, and financially. I hope that you may escape some of these, however, it’s been my experience through my own business as well as mentoring and coaching hundreds of others that this is the case.
Benefits Too
Owning a business also comes with multiple benefits as well. The stress level is different. It may not feel like it is less all the time but it is different. You also have control of what happens on a daily basis in your business. You determine where it goes and how it gets there. What could be more exciting?
Create Our Dreams
Business owners feel like they are able to determine their destiny. Although as a Believer in Christ, I would say that God is the one directly me <wink>. You certainly make the decisions, pay the bills, determine what software you will use, and so more. Yet at the end of the day, aren’t we all hoping to create our dreams? Building a business is an outflow of your inner dreams on some level.
Freedom In Who You Are
You may wonder if there is any freedom in business. While others will think it is not possible. I would, however, disagree. Business, for me, is all about the freedom. First, the freedom to be yourself and not pretend. If you pretend it will be tested out quite quickly and causes concerns with your clients and affects your revenue. So, business gives you the ability to be free in who you are without pretense.
Freedom With What You Do
The second freedom being a business owner gives us with what you do. Freedom to choose what services you provide to help other business owners. This is no small thing. As adults, we are often plugged into something. Whether it be college, a trade, or some type of work right away. You may have chosen which college, trade, or company to work for but you were not given many options. When you own a business it truly opens up your creativity and imagination to use your skills, personality, and knowledge in a way that offers help to others.
Freedom Means
You didn’t think I would forget the definition did you? You know how I love a good definition.
Freedom free·dom /ˈfrēdəm/ noun:
Oxford English Dictionary
“the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.”
When you consider your business or starting one does freedom come to your mind?
My Freedom
It is a big reason for me. As you know I’m disabled and have chronic conditions so there are days when I work from bed, especially on content. I love the freedom I have to do that in with my business. Everyone’s freedom is different.
My freedom in business is also about the flexibility I have in it. If I don’t feel well I can, in most cases, send a note if I cannot bet on camera or in my office that day. Since I serve mostly online service businesses they all understand the need for flexibility in our businesses. Which brings me to my next point.
Freedom To Be Flexible
Freedom affords us the ability to be flexible in our business so that we also have room for our lives. Part of my business moto is:
“Helping You Grow A Business That Fits Your LIFESTYLE
tammy durden – fearless business boss
Not Squeeze A Life Around Your Business.”
I truly believe this is important and helps you have freedom. So how do you secure more freedom in your business?
Secure More Freedom
I think one of the first steps in securing more freedom is to document all of your processes and systems. This seems tedious but is an essential step to creating your freedom. Choose where you will document them and how to document them.
You have to start one by one recording each step take in your business. From turning on the lights in your office to turning off the computer later in the day. They all must be recorded. This is not for you but for those who may come after you including a team. Decide on one place where you will document and house your processes where at least one person has access to them. If you have a team I advise you that allow each team member access to the documented tasks they work on and make them responsible for any updates.
Creating Freedom In Business
The next step in securing more freedom involves multiplying yourself! I know you are saying, “What?!” right about now. What I mean by this is that you need to begin adding team members if you are a solopreneur. Adding a team member, even one, will help multiply your time.
A team member can take on tasks that you do not like, do not do well, or do not need to do because it is not a revenue-generating task that only you can do. Frreeing yourself of these tasks, even one at a time, helps you put more time to work on the business and can also free up time for you to do whatever you want. Need more time with your family, children, or friends? Maybe you need self-care, you can now book a day at the spa. I’m not saying this happens overnight but eventually, you will find more and more freedom in utilizing a carefully brought-on team.
Benefits Of More Freedom
If you are a solopreneur wearing all the hats in your business please read this article. There are so many benefits to bringing on a team member and giving them a task or two. I always suggest starting with one small task and slowly building up as they prove themselves and build your trust in them.
Steps To Secure Freedom
Slowly build your team with those who come highly recommended or you received a referral from. You may also find them in directories as well.
Final Thoughts On Freedom In Business
It is not simply that easy of course. It involves training others with your processes and systems and this takes time. In the beginning, when adding a team member it will feel like more work because you need to teach them, check them, and supervise them. Eventually, however, if you have good team members, you will be able to leave them alone with the business tasks they are performing for you and possibly your clients.
Do not be afraid to hire or contract someone to help you with your business. If you are making any money I suggest bringing on one team member to begin taking at least one task off your plate. I think you’ll be surprised at how much it will help you in the long run.
If you want help bringing on a team member or team members please reach out. I can help you find good-quality freelancers and marketers you can trust.
Are you ready for more FREEDOM in your business? Let me help you! I offer a free 20-minute mini-coaching session – what do you have to lose?
You will be surprised at how much we will get done in 20 (ish) minutes <wink>.
Let’s Chat! Book A Free Mini Coaching Session with me.
To Your Continued Success!
