Did you Join OR Start a Business?

There’s a difference.  A BIG ONE.
The definition of JOIN:
    * becoming part of; become a member of a group or organization; “He joined the Communist Party as a young man”
    * cause to become joined or linked; “join these two parts so they fit together”
    * come into the company of another; “She joined him for a drink”

Did you join your business?

If you joined - that means someone else has already set the parameters of what you can do.   The rules are already made and you’ve agreed to them.  You become one of many others who have also joined.  The expectations are higher as the mindset is often “I’ve joined now so what are you going to do for me?”   Teaching, training, coaching can often turn into hand holding or ongoing motivational speeches and encouragement.  The joined crowd are the reason for a low retention in any business.  You are at the mercy of and are subject to the decisions of others. Think of it as if you are joining a group such as Toastmasters.  You are totally free to decide your subject content, where you are going to do the research, when you are going give your next speech, you set your own goals and time frame to achieve those goals.  You are surrounded by encouraging, supportive people BUT you have to abide by the rules of the organization.  Predetermined set rules created by the founders of the organization.   Being apart of or joining Toastmasters will give you a good opportunity within the framework of what they teach.

The definition of START UP:

    * to come or cause to come into being for the first time; to originate
    * to spring or jump suddenly from a position or place
    * to set in or go into motion, an activity, etc. start the engine or start the race
    * Economics, Accounting,  Finance / Banking  and Finance)  relating to input, usually financial, made to establish a new project or business start-up
    * (Business / Commerce) any business enterprise that has been launched recently

Did you start your business?

If you started your own business - your mindset is different.   You seek out and often pay for the best training you can afford.   Your mastermind group will consist of other business focused people in any organization.  There is a “Can Do” attitude. The business plan includes a Plan, Do and Review strategy with a target date for break even and another date for XYZ amount of profit. If your review is not getting you where you expected to be – you’re adjusting quickly.   If you own your own business you will incorporate other products into your business plan to add to the cashflow while you’re building your primary opportunity, recognizing you should monetize every step of the process.  Think of Toastmasters again.  What they teach within their framework is excellent but you want the parameters to be more flexible, more focused, more in-depth so you start your own group.  You are the driving force behind the group introducing more and better and different ideas.  You have what is called an entrepreneurial mindset:  Open to anything that will benefit you and the others who have joined your group.  You’ve started instead of joined and you’re always looking for the ones who take responsibility for their own success.  The ones who come with “this is what I’ve done, what do I do next” type of attitude.

Your mindset is critical to your ultimate success.   Are you an entrepreneur, taking responsibility for your own training, education and opportunities or are you a joiner, waiting for someone to come along and help, support and encourage you? It’s a choice – one which only you can make !

To your success,

Joyce Penner