Business people get a bad rap. They are normally seen as exploiters of labor who get a disproportionate amount of the benefits that come from their business enterprise. Being a first time full time businessman; I’ve come to see another side. So here are some of the things that I myself under rated not too long ago.
- Finding capital to invest in the business for start up and working capital.
Recently a much touted English Pub chain went under and fast. They got a few of people to put a lot of money in a pot, but it appears that they didn’t have a proper plan and they used up too much of their cash in buildings and start up and didn’t have enough left for working capital. These few people lost their money. I imagine a lot of it. And they also made a lot of other people lose their money that were not part of their company but gave them credit because they trusted them to be good business people. Sometimes you are lucky to have an angel investor who lends you money to put into a business and only expects to get back what they lent you. At the end of the day, you’re on the hook for whatever you put into a business.
- Paying people’s salaries every month.
That’s a serious responsibility. I spotted the recession coming and took some steps to lessen our labor bill. That meant some people had to go home. Not an easy conversation. Or it could mean everybody taking a cut. Also not an easy conversation.
- Disciplining people.
We love to tell people good news; it’s the bad news that’s uncomfortable. And running a business you have to tell people about excessive late coming, absenteeism, poor judgment and insensitive behaviour. It’s easier to tell some than others. The hardest to tell are those who blame others or situations and never take personal responsibility for outcomes.
- Always maintaining a positive disposition.
People take their cue from me so I have to always be on guard to never pass uncertainty down to my team. When I’m negative it breeds negative vibes in pepper.
- Driving sales is a key function that delivers its share of stress.
A small businessman like me wears several hats. I wear many including: planner, sales driver, marketing manager, hr, copywriter, social media student, optimist (needs improvement), head of recognition, office clown, peace maker, part time cleaner and courier, strategist, event planner and more.
I’ll never bad mouth a business person again. They take risks, sometimes putting their family at risk. They work hard and if they come through the stresses they sometimes reap the benefits. I had a fair amount of stress when I was an employee. That’s how I am; I’m very passionate about my work. But I never had to worry about paying employees, creditors or the bank. And that’s why I now look at business people with admiration.
