Always remember, NOT EVERYONE HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO RUN A BUSINESS. This is something I learnt from @garyvee which I did not think about before.
Running a business requires the ability to handle enormous pressure and stress every single day and deal with it positively. The more you grow, the more problems you have to deal with because there are many variables you cannot totally control as you grow.
From the time I wake up, I am solving problems one after another; A cleaner not feeling well and having to find a replacement at the last minute, the equipment broke while working, breaking some bad news to the client, the alarm code provided by the company not working and the alarm blaring in the middle of the night, etc. These are problems I face all the time and if you are unable to solve these problems efficiently, you will not be able to run a business.
When you cannot handle the stress of running the business, you will hate the process. Before you start a business, think about your personality strengths and weaknesses. There is nothing wrong with being the best number 2, best marketer, best cleaner, etc.
At the end of the day, you have to be HAPPY and enjoy what you do. I cannot emphasize enough about the importance of being HAPPY with what you do. I know people who run businesses and are never happy. Makes a lot of money and would still complain.
In order to be happy, you have to understand your personality. Are you the most happiest:
- Going in to work everyday from 8am-4pm
- Working part time, taking a pay cheque because you do not want the added pressure of working long hours
- Running a business and watching it grow with your hard work
- Running a business to a certain level and maintaining the contracts you have
- Freelancing
There are no wrong answers but understanding what you want in life. Understand your personality, focus on what you want to achieve and being HAPPY.