Working for someone else and working for yourself is as different as day and night. I suddenly realized this having worked in the corporate world for over 25 years compared to now being an entrepreneur.
It is quite an adjustment to become accustomed to not having to answer to anyone or feeling inferior to a superior. I call this conditioning yourself into a mindset of an entrepreneur. It is not an easy transition, but well worth the transformation.
Your client is not your boss, but your equal. This type of relationship fosters a mutual respect for each other to the point where you can even brainstorm on certain topics or issues. Sure your boss in the workforce may have attempted to show you mutual respect, but there was always that element of inequality that existed.
Having an entrepreneur’s mindset gives you the freedom to express your ideas or creativity without being worried about being stifled or causing confusion in the office or the boardroom. An entrepreneur’s mindset gives you more confidence in yourself and your capabilities. It can also build your self-esteem, especially for female entrepreneurs. Women in the workforce have come a long way, but there is work yet to be done.
In today’s economy, being an entrepreneur is rapidly becoming the norm. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, self-employment rates have been growing at an average of 4.5 percent annually. With all the layoffs, especially among baby boomers, that percentage will increase. Age discrimination still exists; therefore, it will be difficult for them to find employment, forcing them into becoming entrepreneurs.
Overall, thinking like an entrepreneur rather than an employee is a process, which takes time. As I mentioned before, it is a conditioning that takes place. It is not easy, especially for baby boomers after so many years in the workforce; however, it can be done. Enjoy the ride!
From the mindset of an entrepreneur,
I never made a great employee. I was productive, but I was miserable and so were those who were "trained and educated" toward the (now dying) traditional systems. However, even today it's STILL not easy being my own boss.
I recently wrote of Ben Franklin who said this: " If you were a Servant, would you not be ashamed that a good Master should catch you idle? Are you then your own Master, be ashamed to catch yourself idle. Stick to it steadily; and you will see great Effects."
For me, it's been a process of learning my own patterns. What are my strengths? Play to them. What are my weaknesses? Do they matter? However, the real weaknesses I found were in my own patterns; those sly circumstances that over and over I would find hindering my stride. Being honest about those sneaky sneakers has helped tremendously.
–Dave Charbonneau
SelfEnterpriser.com
Dave,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comments. One of the weaknesses I had to overcome was to realize I don't work for you (client), I work with you. If I didn't take a stand, the client would be running my business and me.
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Rita,
Being an entrepreneur is a different mindset altogether, isn't it? So many people strike out on their own because they are really great at what they do, but get a real eye-opener when they realize they are everything at that point. I see many entrepreneurs make the mistake of making the customer the boss, and when you have that many bosses the wheels are bound to come off the wagon. Great post.
Brad
It sure is a different mindset. I believe you need some leadership characteristics too. As someone who offers administrative assistant services, some clients still want to treat me as an administrative assistant. I have to remind them I am entrepreneur offering virtual admin services, I am not an admin asst. Thank you, Brad.
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Discussion on the transition involved with thinking like an entrepreneur rather than an employee….
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