Randolph Jones

Why running a small business is the best personal development tool. So you've finally decided to take the plunge, and dive head first into your entrepreneurial endeavour. Well, first thing is first...CONGRATULATIONS. Now that that is out of the way, please do prepare to embark on the journey of a lifetime. See, like anything worthwhile in life, running your own enterprise comes with it's fair share of surprises. Some days you're on top of the world and can really do no wrong, then others, you think to yourself "What in the world did I get myself into". Welcome to the life of a business owner. Especially if it's your very first foray spreading your wings, it's going to be an adventure. Now, what I want you do if forget all that nonsense about "most businesses don't make it in the first five years" stuff you hear and read. Articles like that were written mostly by people who HAVN'T made it. Or in simple terms, they probably jumped ship before contact with the iceberg was even made. Being an entrepreneur has taught me SO much about human nature, psychology, and most of all...about myself. I've been stretched to unimaginable lengths, and while it wasn't pretty at times, it's helped shaped who I am today, and made me a better person AND business person all at the same time. So yes, some days will be rough, and others will be wonderful, but irrespective of what's happening, do know that you're taking a bold leap that others often only dream of taking, and that in and of itself is worth it. Besides, when it's all said and done, you'll have the personal pride of knowing you built something worthwhile from scratch....while sipping drinks on your 4 week christmas vacation. In case you didn't already know, business owners get as much vacation time as they choose :)