7 Reasons Entrepreneurs are Fabulous!

In a recent supplement to USA Today, an author offered 7 reasons why you should be an entrepreneur. Here's our spin on those 7 reasons, in our order:

1. Make more money - Entrepreneurs are usually fed up with having little control over their lives, so they work harder to make sure the revenue they generate goes into their pocket instead of someone else's. Having been told I could make more money as a commissioned sales person enabled me to break free and start my own business ... so everything I sold was at 100% commission instead of 15%.
2. Freedom - Along the same lines as being able to make more money, being an entrepreneur means you have to freedom to set your own hours and work when you want to work, although it still requires that you do work! The down side, depending on your business, is that when you take time off, you also take away the income that might have been generated if you had kept working. You still need personal or family time, though.
3. Job Security - As an entrepreneur, you are usually the only person who can fire you. I say usually because there are times when the entrepreneur establishes a business entity, places a strong manager in charge of the venture, and gives that person authority to hire and fire. Entrepreneurs, fortunately, will move on to another challenge if they've launched a successful business and been fired as someone else takes it further.
4. Discover your Hidden Potential - Referring back to #3, when an entrepreneur is released from a project they've begun, they are free to unleash a new concept or look for what they might feel is their "true" potential. Entrepreneurs must also be imbued with the ability to get back up after a failure and try again. Being knocked down is only disastrous if one fails to get back up again. Each of us should search for our true potential so we can realize it.
5. A Second Career - As the Baby Boom generation continues to mature and leave their traditional workplace, they still wish to contribute to society. Many have probably dreamed of being an entrepreneur and may have a fabulous idea that, in retirement, they can now bring into full blossom. We have found that if you are passionate about your pursuit, you will be successful, whether it's a 2nd career or your primary occupation.
6. You're Sharing instead of Selling - While we are always selling, being an entrepreneur is more about sharing your ideas and concepts with other people. You probably came up with the idea for the product or service because you noticed a lack or need in some area that could be filled quite effectively. So, indeed, you are sharing instead of selling and we must always remember consumers prefer to buy on their own terms instead of being sold.
7. A life of Greater Impact - Each of us can have a much more significant impact on this planet and in our society if we are providing a service that is in demand and helps each of us achieve our true potential. We are here for a purpose. When we realize that purpose and do our best to fulfill it, we make a measurable contribution to life and society.