I often hear people boast that they make $100,000+ per year. To me that is such an arbitrary goal. I feel that the $100k figure is nothing more than a number, as is $250k or $500k. Other milestones are a million dollars in sales or even a billion! But, does anyone ever talk about the bottom line? Do they boast about profit? Better yet, do they ever talk about their dreams rather than money?
Really successful businesses are built on more than just numbers; they are built on important goals and dreams. If you are not incorporating dreams into your small business you need to be. People don't become successful because they dream about money, they dream about other important things.
Maybe you want to put all of your kids through college and retire someday.
Maybe you want to buy a house on an island.
Maybe you want to build a business that allows you to enjoy your passions in life.
Maybe you want to build a business that truly helps your community and the world at large.
Whatever it is, identify the real reasons you are in business. Don't come to me telling me you want to be the next big thing making billions of dollars and offering an IPO in a few years. There is way more to being in business than just numbers. A successful business starts with the end in mind, but it shouldn't just be about money. It can't just be about money.
What are the real reasons you are in business or want to start a new business?