The Right Way To Earn Small Business Bragging Rights

Leadership expert Steve Gutzler wrote a post that made me pause to think about the qualities of being self-employed that I tend to emphasize when talking with other professionals.

Upon reflection, I realize I too often share about my packed project schedule or the fact that there never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. It’s as if being overworked or overwhelmed are valid markers on the path to success.

They’re not. There’s no glory in excessive stress and leading a professional life that seems to control us rather than the other way around. What’s the point of being your own boss if your business is the boss of  you?

Sure, we need to work hard to build sustainable businesses, BUT that’s not what should earn us bragging rights as solopreneurs and small business owners.

What should give us something to gloat about?

• We can choose the types of projects we want to work on.
• We can choose the clients we want to work with.
• We don’t have to ask anyone permission to leave work early on a beautiful summer afternoon.
• We can plan our work schedule around our kids’ ball games and play rehearsals.
• We can enroll in any professional development course we want without someone telling us it’s not relevant to our position.

Having lifestyle flexibility is nothing to feel guilty about. It’s OK to step away from work and enjoy other things.

And you shouldn’t feel like less of a business professional because you have the ability to do that when others don’t.

Isn’t it time we wore THAT as our small business badge of honor?

Of course, having the ability to do more than work all the time means finding the discipline and resources to plan better and work more efficiently.

Accomplish that and you’ve really got something to brag about!

Your turn! What do you find yourself quickest to communicate when talking with others about your experience in self-employment?