Alright, money IS important. It is one of the main reasons (if not THE main reason) that we are working so hard and have started and are running our own home businesses. But, while money is definitely important, it isn’t necessary everything and we can lose ourselves in striving for money and actually hurt our home businesses in the process.
Some of the best business advice I have ever received is to make sure that I have a mission and a focus for my business that is NOT ruled by money. By focusing on what gifts I can share with others, how I can help and make the world a better place, the things I can do to be open and share with my clients and customers–I’ve got a foundation for my home business that will carry it through. This is an even stronger motivator for me than cash and profit margins.
Surely we do need to set financial goals and establish working budgets for our businesses, but think of this–has there ever been anything that you absolutely hated, and didn’t want to do and then tried to make yourself do it “just for the money”? Chance are, things didn’t go too well. Even for those of us who are quite focused on supporting our families or building a stable financial future find that money just isn’t a strong enough motivator to make us turn from our families when they need us, take a high-paying job that goes against our values and beliefs, etc. When you start to feel like things in your business are out of balance, or that you are having a hard time staying focused and motivated, it may be time to look at your relationship to money. It might just be a bit out of balance.
Also: Do You Know What You’re Hoping to Accomplish?
How Successful Do You Really Want to Be?