Why did you start up in business?

[Business Brian]

Just a general question toall - why did you start up in business?
 
 for myself I'd been hobbyist with SEO for a year before, and realised that I had some very saleable skills. I was extremely nervous about the prospect of self-employment, and no guaranteed income - but then a UK company made me an offer of regular work that allowed me to confidently move over the threshhold.
 
 To be honest, though, I have always always evisaged myself in marketing - my company ID - britecorp - I've had in my head since I was a teen. I actually always thought I could simply make a lot of money in unrelated subjects, then simply walk into marketing without experience. More recently I've realised that I needed to build up that experience in the first place.
 
 As for the financial side and the quick retort of "money!" - I sometimes look at marketing directors, burning themselves out to make more and more money - but then I wonder if they actually know why they are doing it. It's like the old adage - if you can't enjoy what you earn, why earn it?
 
  Anyway - anyone else?

[allsetnet.com]

I think the main drive to start a business is the fact that you wish to do the type of work it offers aiming at better reward and consequently end up enjoying the work and achieving job satisfaction.

[Business Brian]

Thanks for pointing out the error - above post edited - "if you can't enjoy what you earn, why earn it?"

[altyfc]

Freedom, money, and the desire not to become an academic (which was the route I was heading for).  Those would be my reasons for setting up.
 
Oh, and I enjoy what I do which always helps.
 
Aaron

[rcslimited]

I think Ive always had a callin gto be a business man...an entrepreneur, I just like the idea of making money, and love thinking about ways to make it.  Ive never actually transferred these dreams to any kind of reality yet ;-) but there's still time to make a million by 30.

[Business Brian]

there's still time to make a million by 30.

 Darn it- I'm nearly two years behind schedule.
 
 And welcome to business-talk, rcslimited.

[paulhiles]

I had just finished a four year degree course in Business Information Technology, and I was keen to keep the momentum going and hang on to as many skills as possible. The business potential of the Internet was always my focus throughout the course, so when I graduated and found the IT job market so saturated, I decided the best course of action was to actually employ myself!
 
 I've had to learn marketing tactics, and SEO skills, and sometimes it's a bit of a balancing act wearing so many hats... but as you've already said, if you enjoy what you're doing the rewards far outstrip any downside.

[Business Brian]

You know - it's funny - often I forget that I'm self-employed.
 
 I always used to spend all my time on the internet, designnig and building sites, SEO and link-building - but now I am apparently paid to do it for others as well. And my routine has changed little.
 
 But, yes - good point, Paul, about the markets being saturated - internet business is so easy to get into - but from what I hear, sustainable growth is everything. Not everyone who enters the net has the patience to stay. So hang on in there.

[paulhiles]

Cheers for the words of encouragement Brian, friends and colleagues are saying the same thing, I've only really been actively promoting the business for the last few months. Prior to that, I was too busy.. up to my eyes in projects! Oh for that fine balance, eh? it will come in time, I know!

[OneofaKind]

I started up in a business for two key reasons
1. so that I have more control over my work and its delivery
2. so that I have more flexibility with how I use my time

[ninikins]

Really it was because I don't want to work for someone. I'd rather be my own boss and get things done my own way.

[Business Brian]

Being your own boss certainly has advantages - not least being able to work at your own pace during the day without a whip cracking over your head.

Still, that said, you need to be disciplined...

[solar]

I want to earn my income from online, and I want to be able to play with my varied interests
I love the learning experience as well.

[swirlsofcolor]

Most of my career has been owning my own businesses.  I only found a few companies that I could work for that were enjoyable and gave me the freedom to make my own decisions. 

I think going into your own business to make losts of money is the wrong reason.  Being able to control your own destiny and manage your time as you see fit.  Being able to work in the middle of the night when no one will interupt you is a real pleasure. 

It is always a struggle to keep up with the competition but it is worth it.

Amy

[Grace]

Well that working from home is a great way to be your own boss.  It's not easy to find a great employer who you can really be your best every day.