If one can create a successful family environment, there’s no doubt in my mind that one can also become a successful businessman, and vice versa. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities between raising a successful family and running a successful business.
In my experience, TIME is the most important ingredient.
Depending on the type of business you’re involved in, it’s going to require a lot of your time, especially if it’s a new business. Many people make the mistake, specifically in the Network Marketing industry, of thinking they can get something for nothing. Which is why more people fail in business than those who succeed. Getting started is just the first step. You’ll never reach the city of success unless you keep walking.
As a family man, the biggest factor of a happy family unit is spending time together. Not just with your children, but with your spouse. Conversation time, dating, recreation and romance. Sometimes it’s difficult to pull away from your entrepreneurial activities to simply hangout with your family. Sometimes the bike ride with the kids doesn’t seem as important as making the next sale for your business, but when you start making those kind of poor decisions your family starts to fail. The bike ride with your kids is ALWAYS most important. These are moments you’ll NEVER get back. The business may still be there, but your children won’t ever be that age, at that moment ever again.
It’s easy to fill your day with all sorts of activities that make you feel like you’re busy. There’s a difference between staying busy and being productive. Checking your email a hundred times during the day is keeping busy but not so productive. Sitting on the couch while your kids play on the living room floor doesn’t account for quality family time. They deserve interaction from you. Keep busy doing the things that matter, building activities.
Proper funding is essential to success.
Everyone should realize that money does not bring happiness…..but is sure does help! Without a stable financial situation, it’s difficult to focus on having fun with your business or your family. When your world is upside down financially, everything seems to be a wreck. If your business is making a good income, you can use that cash flow to reinvest and build your enterprise. The same for your family, a stable income allows you to do more and experience more together.
Enjoy it. Have fun.
The most successful business idea for anyone, is the one they enjoy doing the most. That’s where the passion falls into place. If you love what you do, it doesn’t seem like work when you’re doing it. More people will be attracted to you and your businesses if you look like you’re happy….and actually are happy.
In your family, laughter and smiles are the glue that strengthens those family relationships. Have fun with your kids, instead of rolling your eyes when they ask you to jump on the trampoline with them. If you’re not having fun, chances are, you’re just getting old and fat. Seriously!
Goals are Essential.
In any organization, personal or professional, as a leader, your goals should be to help others achieve their goals. Set goals with those you have stewardship over and provide a way for them to achieve their goals. As they’re progressing and getting better at what they’re striving for, they’ll feel productive and accomplished. Individual wins bring an over all win to the team.
Sacrifice and Unselfishness.
Nothing truly great and of virtue can ever come about without some level of sacrifice. So if it means skipping golf one weekend to take your spouse out of town, just the two of you, or putting your hobbies on hold to help your kids with theirs, it will be well worth the sacrifice. As a business owner, often times great personal sacrifice for the growth of the company is needed. Sacrifice shows passion and passion is what makes things great.
In conclusion, I feel I could go on and on with all the different similarities between being a great family man and at the same time, applying those principles into your business. Really what it comes down to is being a leader and caring about those you are surrounded with. It takes a great deal of effort and passion to be successful.
If there is anything else that you would include in the list, please share.
David Allred is the author and creator of CFW. David has been teaching entrepreneur minded people how to earn a full time income working from the comfort of home for nearly a decade.
Think about it. Never miss your kids’ events, set your own schedule, choose your own income and enjoy a lifestyle and income which most people only drool over!
Be sure to connect with David Allred on Google+, Facebook and everywhere else!
