Starting a new online or offline business has moved from the offices of "type A" go-getters into the living rooms and chat rooms of everyday people looking for a lifestyle change. Phil Heard, who heads the Vancouver Economic Development Commission, says women over 55 will lead the pack of new entrepreneurs.
Why the change from traditional employment to the risky, adventurous, and sometime turbulent lifestyles of a new business?
In the present economic winter storms, there are many reasons to consider self-employment or small business. "Would-be" entrepreneurs may benefit from a push/pull analytic assessment.
The term "push and pull factors," generally relate to the migration of people from one location to another.
"The push factor involves a force which acts to drive people away from a place and the pull factor is what draws them to a new location" (Matt Rosenberg: Author of The Handy Geography Answer Book)
Certainly, a new business is a change, a transition, and a migration from one place of comfort to another place of potential and challenge.
Push dynamics tend to be more out of our control. The economy, the weather, the downturn of an industry etc, can provide a push that propels you into change.
Here are a few legitimate push factors that may motivate you to consider a new business:
- You lose your job - a common theme in 2009.
- Your lifestyle demands a change - divorce, separation, death of parents, health concerns, children's needs etc.
- Job dissatisfaction - what used to be at least "okay" is not suitable to your lifestyle goals or dreams. Perhaps new management has produced a toxic environment you find intolerable. As thee old tune laments: "The thrill is gone."
The pull factor is more of an internal force, rather than forced, you feel more "led" to proceed. Common pull factors into small business:
- Sometimes maturity pulls women forward into unknown territory. The idea of "coming into your own power" and wanting to make your own decisions about how you invest your life can influence your decision.
- The pull of under-employed skill sets. The present job skills required to satisfy employers may not demand the best of what women have to offer. Although they are usually willing to "pay their dues" in their youth, women find that with time, there is often a desire to do more, try much, fall often, and repeat the process hoping for a better outcome the next time.
- A pull to fulfill personal passions. With so much inspiration and education available on the pursuit of your calling, living on purpose and living with passion, many women feel the "pull" to give their dream a shot. Women are known to finance their dream as much as possible, despite the odds, to get from where they are to where they want to be.
- The pull of child-rearing. Statistics still prove that the dominant parent involved intimately with the everyday doings and goings of their children remains the mother.
Women who see the option for a lifestyle that involves or protects their interaction with their children may feel inclined to follow their heart right into a new business.
Whatever the reason, starting a new business can be a rewarding experience. Despite the rocky road of financing, Internet challenges, human resources, and operational strategies, the thrill of a business that mirrors your passions can be euphoric.
Pushing and Pulling for your success,
Harmony Thiessen
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