Has business changed your life?

How has business changed YOUR life for the better? Or, how would you LIKE it to change your life (if you're still getting started)....

I know we have a lot of great people here, and also many with a lot of potential.... It would be nice to see how business has impacted people's lives....

In my case, I don't regret walking away from a job. For me, the biggest benefit is the flexibility of my time.... I've purposely chosen my activities so that they give me time flexibility. It's nice to have the freedom to take a stroll along the beach when you want to.... :) I still have to get a certain amount of work done, but I can choose my own hours....

How about you, what is it you like best about being in business, or (if you're still considering making the leap), what is it you are looking for?

Dien Rice

Hi Dien,

Exceptional topic you've chosen here! It's an honor to share my own experiences here with the group, in the hopes that it will touch someone, or prompt others to recount their own tales!

Far too often, business is looked upon as a "necessary evil," and people see it as 'cold-hearted' and not conducive to positive developments.

It is also similar to money in the respect that it is stereotypically associated by many with negative emotions. I'm sure that's not true of the great group here on this forum, but in society at large, it is definitely present.

Business, however, has had a PROFOUND effect upon my life, and continues to do so on a daily basis.

What I boil it all down to is that business equals freedom. It's what allows me to be based out of Huntington Beach, CA, yet be typing this to you from Virginia, where I just returned from the wedding of one of my dearest high school friends. And knowing that this is the front end of a two week east coast swing that will also include Massachussetts and New York.

Now I know that the traveling I do is far from revolutionary, as many people travel, regardless of their professional situation. But where I consider myself blessed is the total and complete control, flexibility, and freedom that I have over my life.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I've taken my laptop with me (as you can see), and still check in here and there to oversee certain things. But it's not because I have to -- it's because I want to. It's because I sincerely love what I do. Call me crazy, but I get a genuine rush out of helping people achieve breakthroughs in their business!

And on a more philosophical level, to me, business begets so much of what is positive in this world. Things like creativity. Problem solving. Give and take. Drive. Persistence. And most of all, the unlimited opportunity to fulfill a dream.

I realize that business is not always smooth sailing. I've sure as heck made my share of mistakes and had numerous bumps in the road! And I realize that not everyone you encounter will be positive. But the Law of Attraction has a strange way of drawing like-minded people to you if you emanate positive energy.

I can truly say that starting my own business was far and away one of the most rewarding decisions that I have ever made. And overcoming the initial 'fear factor' and climbing over the necessary hurdles was among the most enlightening personal growth experiences that I have ever had, or could possibly ask for.

I, for one, give thanks for the wonder of business. And I'd love to hear your own tales of all that it has bestowed upon you!

Highest regards,

-Jesse

> How has business changed YOUR life for the
> better? Or, how would you LIKE it to change
> your life (if you're still getting
> started)....

> I know we have a lot of great people here,
> and also many with a lot of potential.... It
> would be nice to see how business has
> impacted people's lives....

> In my case, I don't regret walking away from
> a job. For me, the biggest benefit is the
> flexibility of my time.... I've purposely
> chosen my activities so that they give me
> time flexibility. It's nice to have the
> freedom to take a stroll along the beach
> when you want to.... :) I still have to get
> a certain amount of work done, but I can
> choose my own hours....

> How about you, what is it you like best
> about being in business, or (if you're still
> considering making the leap), what is it you
> are looking for?

> Dien Rice

Hi Jesse!

> Far too often, business is looked upon as a
> "necessary evil," and people see
> it as 'cold-hearted' and not conducive to
> positive developments.

Jesse, I know what you mean.... I actually used to have a similar kind of misperception, once upon a time, many moons ago....

But, then I realized, if you go back a few hundred years, EVERYONE was in business in some way. The farmer was in business, growing crops or livestock. The shoemaker was in business, making or mending shoes. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, all in business. Almost everyone was in business....

I think our modern ways, where most people are in employed work, might date from the Industrial Revolution.... That is, in the history of humanity, it's a pretty recent thing.

So, going into business, being self-sufficient, is like going back to our human roots.... :)

At least that's how I like to look at it!

> It is also similar to money in the respect
> that it is stereotypically associated by
> many with negative emotions.

Yes, it's true, money causes great emotional reactions in people. I think it was Robert Kiyosaki who said that money can be like an ADDICTION! Some people really are addicted to money -- which isn't a good thing, because it clouds your judgement....

It's taken me a while, but to me now money is basically numbers on my balance sheet. Because of this, I'm able to make money-decisions without my emotions coming into it very much.... It's become a game, where the goal is to increase the numbers every week.... I'm not sure if this is how others approach it, but it seems to work for me, at least when it comes to making decisions.... (Sometimes, carrying those decisions through takes a bit more work. :) )

> Business, however, has had a PROFOUND effect
> upon my life, and continues to do so on a
> daily basis.

> What I boil it all down to is that business
> equals freedom. It's what allows me to be
> based out of Huntington Beach, CA, yet be
> typing this to you from Virginia, where I
> just returned from the wedding of one of my
> dearest high school friends. And knowing
> that this is the front end of a two week
> east coast swing that will also include
> Massachussetts and New York.

> Now I know that the traveling I do is far
> from revolutionary, as many people travel,
> regardless of their professional situation.
> But where I consider myself blessed is the
> total and complete control, flexibility, and
> freedom that I have over my life.

> Oh, don't get me wrong. I've taken my laptop
> with me (as you can see), and still check in
> here and there to oversee certain things.
> But it's not because I have to -- it's
> because I want to. It's because I sincerely
> love what I do. Call me crazy, but I get a
> genuine rush out of helping people achieve
> breakthroughs in their business!

Thanks Jesse! You're an inspiration to me, I believe business is probably the only path to true freedom that we have....

I'm not against people having jobs, as it suits some people well, but for some people it's like shackles chaining you in place. A nice thing about going into business is that you survive on your own merits -- it's not some boss who decides (sometimes arbitrarily) whether you're going to be promoted or get canned.... I like the idea that my own destiny is in my own hands....

> And on a more philosophical level, to me,
> business begets so much of what is positive
> in this world. Things like creativity.
> Problem solving. Give and take. Drive.
> Persistence. And most of all, the unlimited
> opportunity to fulfill a dream.

Yes Jesse, what you're saying really strikes a chord with me!

> I realize that business is not always smooth
> sailing. I've sure as heck made my share of
> mistakes and had numerous bumps in the road!
> And I realize that not everyone you
> encounter will be positive. But the Law of
> Attraction has a strange way of drawing
> like-minded people to you if you emanate
> positive energy.

That's one of the coolest things about it.... :)

> I can truly say that starting my own
> business was far and away one of the most
> rewarding decisions that I have ever made.
> And overcoming the initial 'fear factor' and
> climbing over the necessary hurdles was
> among the most enlightening personal growth
> experiences that I have ever had, or could
> possibly ask for.

> I, for one, give thanks for the wonder of
> business. And I'd love to hear your own
> tales of all that it has bestowed upon you!

Wow, thanks Jesse! Thank you for sharing your feelings about business....

In my case, I was feeling stifled in a job, even in academia, where there's more freedom than in most traditional jobs. I tend to be quite independent-minded, and I really didn't like the idea of having my future decided on the whims of one or two other people.... I savored the opportunity to create my own destiny. I believed in myself and believed that I could do it....

I'm still making the dream happen, but I've already gone a long way. Life isn't bad, and I'm enjoying every minute of it! Sometimes it's hard work, but there is nothing that can replace the situation of being your own boss, and guiding YOUR OWN future.... :)

Thanks again Jesse, I found your post very inspirational! :)

- Dien Rice

Hi Dien, et al!

> How has business changed YOUR life for the
> better?

***Being an entreprenuer has been an exciting adventure...and at times makes me want to put my head in the sand and shoo the world away!

For the most part, though, it has been remarkable.

Once again we are coming up on the anniversary of my departure from local government employment. In fact, on August 2 it will be two years since I last put in a days work as a County Bureacrat! That still amazes me! That I made it: I walked away.

My daughter Emma has no recollection of me not being home. Katherine loves that I can show up to everything, that I am able to work my schedule around her schedule.

Sam will NEVER know what it is like to have a Mommy who works for someone else UNLESS for some reason that is what I choose to do.

And in THAT sentence lies quite a gold mine. What is it do YOU CHOOSE to do?

It is all about choices, and taking action on those choices. For some, employment is where they desire to create abundance. For others, it is their "own gig" that feeds their soul....and bank account! There is the Offline/Online/Combination of the two we have seen discussed her as of late.

Two years ago, I did not fully embrace that I had choices. In fact, I had told a very caring, very able professional that one of my fears was losing my job, after all I was providing so much for my family and all....or was I?

Little did I know that by running straight into this fear that I would find my freedom.

Freedom. *Sigh*

Has business changed my life?

You Betcha!

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE JORDAN SCOTT




One Way my Life Changed......

Hi Julie!

> Once again we are coming up on the
> anniversary of my departure from local
> government employment. In fact, on August 2
> it will be two years since I last put in a
> days work as a County Bureacrat! That still
> amazes me! That I made it: I walked away.

Wow, Julie, has it only been two years.... You're so successful I was sure you'd been in business for much longer! Your example shows that you can be successful very quickly online.... :)

> My daughter Emma has no recollection of me
> not being home. Katherine loves that I can
> show up to everything, that I am able to
> work my schedule around her schedule.

> Sam will NEVER know what it is like to have
> a Mommy who works for someone else UNLESS
> for some reason that is what I choose to do.

That's wonderful!

When we started Sowpub, I honestly thought that most people chose to go into business for monetary reasons.... But since then I've learned that the #1 reason people go into business is for LIFESTYLE reasons....

And it makes sense too.... :) Different people prefer different arrangements, and when you are working for yourself it's easier to choose the arrangements that suit your circumstances and personality....

Your children are very fortunate that they have a very entrepreneurial Mommy! :)

> And in THAT sentence lies quite a gold mine.
> What is it do YOU CHOOSE to do?

> It is all about choices, and taking action
> on those choices. For some, employment is
> where they desire to create abundance. For
> others, it is their "own gig" that
> feeds their soul....and bank account! There
> is the Offline/Online/Combination of the two
> we have seen discussed her as of late.

> Two years ago, I did not fully embrace that
> I had choices. In fact, I had told a very
> caring, very able professional that one of
> my fears was losing my job, after all I was
> providing so much for my family and
> all....or was I?

> Little did I know that by running straight
> into this fear that I would find my freedom.

> Freedom. *Sigh*

> Has business changed my life?

> You Betcha!

Julie, your story is one of the most inspirational around.... I urge everyone (who hasn't already) to check out Julie's web site (I've linked to it below)....

Thank you Julie for sharing your story.... :)

I know I'm not the only one who thinks that you are a true inspiration! :)

- Dien


Julie's web site, 5 Passions.....

Thanks, Dien, for your kind words. There are few experiences in life more rewarding than inspiring another individual, and I am humbled that my experiences had such an effect on you!

You make many great points in your post below, but what stood out the most to me was your differentiation of having a job vs. being a business owner. I think that in many ways jobs are synonymous with limitation and lack of total freedom and control, while owning a business lends itself to so many aspects of personal development and embarking on an unforgettable journey, while at the same time, having no ceiling on what can be accomplished.

I want to make it clear that in NO WAY do I think business owners are "better" or "more worthy" people than employees in any way, shape or form. I have the highest regard for those who have a job and carry it out with precision and dedication. It's just not for me.

And you make another very astute point by reminding us all that at our roots, or perhaps even our primal level, almost all of us are entrepreneurs at heart!

Thanks again, Dien. Would love to exchange more stories with anyone as to how business has changed their lives. Julie, naturally, is a wonderful personification of this, and I think young Sam is going to have a very rewarding childhood!

All the best,

-Jesse

> Hi Jesse!

> Jesse, I know what you mean.... I actually
> used to have a similar kind of
> misperception, once upon a time, many moons
> ago....

> But, then I realized, if you go back a few
> hundred years, EVERYONE was in business in
> some way. The farmer was in business,
> growing crops or livestock. The shoemaker
> was in business, making or mending shoes.
> The butcher, the baker, the candlestick
> maker, all in business. Almost everyone was
> in business....

> I think our modern ways, where most people
> are in employed work, might date from the
> Industrial Revolution.... That is, in the
> history of humanity, it's a pretty recent
> thing.

> So, going into business, being
> self-sufficient, is like going back to our
> human roots.... :)

> At least that's how I like to look at it!

> Yes, it's true, money causes great emotional
> reactions in people. I think it was Robert
> Kiyosaki who said that money can be like an
> ADDICTION! Some people really are addicted
> to money -- which isn't a good thing,
> because it clouds your judgement....

> It's taken me a while, but to me now money
> is basically numbers on my balance sheet.
> Because of this, I'm able to make
> money-decisions without my emotions coming
> into it very much.... It's become a game,
> where the goal is to increase the numbers
> every week.... I'm not sure if this is how
> others approach it, but it seems to work for
> me, at least when it comes to making
> decisions.... (Sometimes, carrying those
> decisions through takes a bit more work. :)
> )

> Thanks Jesse! You're an inspiration to me, I
> believe business is probably the only path
> to true freedom that we have....

> I'm not against people having jobs, as it
> suits some people well, but for some people
> it's like shackles chaining you in place. A
> nice thing about going into business is that
> you survive on your own merits -- it's not
> some boss who decides (sometimes
> arbitrarily) whether you're going to be
> promoted or get canned.... I like the idea
> that my own destiny is in my own hands....

> Yes Jesse, what you're saying really strikes
> a chord with me!

> That's one of the coolest things about
> it.... :)

> Wow, thanks Jesse! Thank you for sharing
> your feelings about business....

> In my case, I was feeling stifled in a job,
> even in academia, where there's more freedom
> than in most traditional jobs. I tend to be
> quite independent-minded, and I really
> didn't like the idea of having my future
> decided on the whims of one or two other
> people.... I savored the opportunity to
> create my own destiny. I believed in myself
> and believed that I could do it....

> I'm still making the dream happen, but I've
> already gone a long way. Life isn't bad, and
> I'm enjoying every minute of it! Sometimes
> it's hard work, but there is nothing that
> can replace the situation of being your own
> boss, and guiding YOUR OWN future.... :)

> Thanks again Jesse, I found your post very
> inspirational! :)

> - Dien Rice

Hi Jesse,

> Thanks, Dien, for your kind words. There are
> few experiences in life more rewarding than
> inspiring another individual, and I am
> humbled that my experiences had such an
> effect on you!

Jesse, your words -- and especially your words on leverage -- have had a great effect on my life.... They're like a beacon of light, piercing through the fog....

I know it probably sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. You've helped me to see a truth which I hadn't seen quite so clearly before!

> You make many great points in your post
> below, but what stood out the most to me was
> your differentiation of having a job vs.
> being a business owner. I think that in many
> ways jobs are synonymous with limitation and
> lack of total freedom and control, while
> owning a business lends itself to so many
> aspects of personal development and
> embarking on an unforgettable journey, while
> at the same time, having no ceiling on what
> can be accomplished.

Jesse, it's true.... The benefits of business, as you point out, go beyond personal freedom and monetary rewards.... They extend into personal development.

Being in business is about taking responsibility, and with that always comes personal growth.... :)

And how your business looks will reflect aspects of your personality.... It forces you to confront some of your weaknesses, to turn them into strengths....

> And you make another very astute point by
> reminding us all that at our roots, or
> perhaps even our primal level, almost all of
> us are entrepreneurs at heart!

> Thanks again, Dien. Would love to exchange
> more stories with anyone as to how business
> has changed their lives. Julie, naturally,
> is a wonderful personification of this, and
> I think young Sam is going to have a very
> rewarding childhood!

I agree, Julie seems angelic.... She has touched many lives (including mine)! :)

Thanks Jesse for your words of wisdom, I enjoy everything you say.... What you say makes a LOT of sense to me. :)

Dien