The non-profit and even the for-profit scenes are booming across different industries. They are helping to strengthen communities in rural and urban areas across the motherland. It is pleasing to note that some of these budding entrepreneurs are women.
Sadly, a lot of companies, organisations, and partnerships never go past their formation stages. Some of these ventures go bankrupt, are debt ridden and unfortunately, wonderful dreams die.
Now, how do we encourage entrepreneurs, especially women, to venture into the unknown well-armed to outgrow the incubation stage? How do we get them disciplined enough to endure the initial pains required to become giant corporations?
Well for starters, let’s try eliminating the myths connected with being your own boss.
1. You will have more time on your hands
Yes, more time to rest! Or not at all. Don’t be fooled, ladies. You’ll have to work ten times more than the average employee working in an established set up.
Remember that this is really about your dreams and aspiration. Getting the planning stage and everything else right should be your hobby.
2. You will make more money
Of course, the ultimate goal is to increase your paycheck while being the next Bill Gates. But the honest truth is, you’ll not go above your budget without proper diligence.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in your ability to make money from your venture but it takes lots of discipline. There’s just no hard and fast rule to getting rich.
3. You are passionate about what you do and that spells excellence
Contrary to popular belief, this is not a recipe for success. Sometimes, the things we’re most passionate about do not bring us financial gain.
Finding ways to make your passion or hobby profitable is a skill on its own!
4. Your product/service will be sought after because you are popular
This is another myth that has led to disappointment, especially for people with a wide network. People will not buy from you simply because they know you.
If you’ve not proven to be an authority in your field with quick solution strategies, you may need to start thinking of ways of utilizing your own product or service.
5. Good entrepreneurs never fail
As with everything, it is okay to fail. In fact, countless entrepreneurs failed repeatedly before succeeding at an idea. A perfect example is Evan Williams, co-founder of Twitter who failed at a podcasting platform called Odeo.
Vera Wang also failed at different professions before becoming a fashion icon. Another famous example is Jack Ma of Ali Baba, the online shop. The list goes on and on.
Be open to failure and keep trying!
6. The power card is all yours
Refusing to be an employee and running your own empire is great, especially if your intentions are true. But if you’re driven by the desire to ‘lord’ over others, then you’ll be disappointed.
Great empires are built on teamwork, shared ideas and collective effort. Mind you, though, you’ll need to work smarter than your employees. After all, it’s your idea.
7. A large capital investment with a great team makes a great company
It’s true that capital and a great team are good tools for growth. But remember, some great companies started out in warehouses and backyards.
Others started with less than five employees while investing in skills for their dream companies.
The way forward
Apparently, the best way forward for eliminating a stress-free work environment is by designing yours. Passionate people now lean towards innovation and job creation. It is the new cool to be called an entrepreneur as you can be the boss and set the rules.
It’s no secret that in the last decade, new professions have emerged and improved existence and livelihood. Due to the needs of our dynamic environment, more intriguing jobs have evolved in the field of web app developing, blogging, SEO specialization and so on.
Interestingly, women are at the forefront of challenging new fields in the service industry, science and engineering. Recently, the youngest female pilot, Zambian Besa Mumba made her maiden flight and she is only nineteen!
In the end, Motherland Moguls, entrepreneurial myths or not, we can do this! Let’s begin, shall we?