Cup of Inspiration

Have you ever had an idea for a business of your own? Today, November 13^th, we kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week. This is celebrated the second week of November each year.

It can certainly be scary launching out on your own. There are benefits to working for someone else. You probably have set hours along with a set salary, or at least an idea of what you will be earning from month to month. You may have earned some paid time off. Perhaps you have other benefits along with your pay, such as health insurance and education expense reimbursement. You may enjoy people in the office. Even if you don’t enjoy your job, there is something that is keeping you there for now.

Many of us have daydreamed about what we would do if we could be our own boss. What if that didn’t have to be a daydream? There are those who have made that dream a reality in their professional lives. They have stepped out from the safety of working for someone else (or at least the illusion of a safety net) and proceeded to open their own business. They are solely responsible for their income, health insurance, scheduling work time as well as time off. There is no one for them to turn to for permission to take off early one afternoon. Then again, being an entrepreneur also means there isn’t someone to cover their work for that afternoon.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. It depends on the person. Perhaps now is the perfect time to launch that idea you have been pondering. Perhaps now is not the time, but down the road would be better. Maybe you have an idea of a small business to run on the side, rather than a replacement to a full-time job. Then again, maybe now is the time to take the plunge and dive in fully to your new project.

This week, during Global Entrepreneurship Week, think about your options. Brainstorm some ideas for a business you may start one day. If you already have an idea in mind, do a little research. Schedule some time with a friend or family member who has started their own business. Go to a library or pull up some information on the internet to begin checking out what would be involved. If you are already an entrepreneur, celebrate your decision, and pass along a little encouragement to someone in your social circle who has contemplated the idea.

Remember it’s never too late to explore your options. Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward.