Becoming your own boss, a possible dream!

Have you ever had an idea, a dream of starting your own business? The idea is swirling around in your head, but you're not ready to take the plunge? Or are you ready to take the plunge?

There are so many benefits to being your own boss

The schedule

Having the pleasure of organizing your schedule is a privilege! Yesterday morning, I started my day with a run and then started my workday. Around 3:00 p.m., I needed a break, so I decided to cook us a delicious dinner. After taking the time to enjoy our meal and tidy the kitchen, I went back to work for about two hours.

On the other hand, I also have days when I have a deadline to meet and the day is longer. The important thing for me is to have balance in my week. So I set myself 3 simple rules:

1. Eat three balanced meals per day. To achieve this, I make sure to have pre-prepared meals on the weekend.
2. A period ofexercise per day (running, swimming, walking, yoga, weight training, etc.)
3. Sleep before midnight.

There are sometimes days when it's harder for me to respect one of the three elements. But since I've focused on these three elements, I've noticed that I've found ways to do so.

Shape the company in your image

Of course, there are companies in the same field. But only you can decide these important points:

• The level of quality and follow-up you want to offer your customers
• Treat your employees according to your values
• Choose the products, accessories and equipment of your choice
• Your logo, your corporate image
• The marketing image that suits you
• As well as many other choices that you can customize to your taste.

Choose your goals and action plan

You'll have the freedom to choose your short-, medium-, and long-term battles. This is one of my greatest pleasures as an entrepreneur. Toward the end of the year, I spend several weeks preparing for the next year after evaluating the last year. I work really hard on it. My goals are focused on these four areas:  Sales, production, administration and personnel. I have three major goals on average per area. And for each goal, I think about my plan, which should include the actions I will need to take to achieve my plan.

Planning isn't enough; it's essential to remain critical of our plan. We must evaluate and readjust as we go. I sometimes coach housekeeping managers through the development of their plans. It's a special moment for me to see them succeed.

But it's not always fun to be the boss.

Oh no, it's not always fun. Starting a business is a must-think. Of course, you can choose to start your business while still working. However, it will require a lot of effort and motivation. This is an option, and your goals should take into account the time you can devote to your business.

Lack of money is your greatest strength!

For my part, I found myself suddenly without a job, car, or cell phone, courtesy of my former partners! I could have chosen to go on unemployment, to send my CV to a few companies or private organizations. I admit that I thought about it. But, the entrepreneurial flame was too strong and I decided to start my own business without the difficulty of having partners. After a few months of rest, I started my own business, without any financing, with a loss of $150,000.00 still owed to my former partners. I could have lost everything by taking such a risk! My husband and I reduced our expenses as much as possible. I had his full support and that reinforced my decision.

Oh, it wasn't easy the first year. I had to go back to CEGEP to learn everything about social media, the website, and accounting. I loved learning and promised myself to continue taking training every year for the benefit of my business as well as for my own pleasure. By the way, CEGEPs now offer a whole range of continuing education at an affordable price, subsidized by Emploi Québec.

Having modest means forces us to redouble our efforts and creativity. When I started my business, my first instinct was to give everything away when it came to social media and the website. But I wasn't at all satisfied with the results. And that's when I decided to get my hands dirty myself. I get help with some of the technical aspects of the website. However, I discovered that I had more possibilities than I knew. So I overcame a major technological barrier, and I feel great satisfaction about it.

You will have to be totally convinced

I can assure you that you will encounter obstacles. There will be days when you want to quit everything. Rest, read this article and keep going! Consult specialists in your area of weakness if necessary. Take the training you need to overcome your obstacles. Review your goals and your action plan. After investing so much energy, you'll see that your entrepreneurial spirit won't die so easily. As for me, obstacles generally make me grow. Don't mean by that that I like to learn through obstacles, though; it's effective.

There are several mentors on the market and in several fields. I offer this service to cleaning contractors who have run a company with around a hundred employees. Some of our training courses were developed to meet the needs of this type of entrepreneur. And in 2019, I dedicated a package just for entrepreneurs. As you've seen in my career, I believe it's essential to take the training we need to grow as entrepreneurs. So I'll leave you with that. Winning Entrepreneur package, wishing you that you make the right decision, for you and for your future.