Thanksgiving and the Entrepreneur

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
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I don't know about you, but I really love Thanksgiving here in the US. Not only do you get to spend time with people you may not see too often, it's also a great excuse to take Friday and the weekend off for a tiny needed vacation as the year comes to a close.

My question to you is; how are you treated at the holiday dinner table by your family?

Since I've been an entrepreneur for over 16 years now, I don't get as much guff as in the past, but let me give you a typical conversation from the not so distant past.

Dad: So how's being in business for yourself going?

Son: Not too bad, Pop.

Dad: You've been at this for a while now. When are you going to grow up and get a real job?

Son: I don't want a job, Pop. I want a business like I have.

Dad: But there's no stability in it? No known paycheck coming in? How can you live like that?

Son: Well I think that knowing I can make as much money as I can figure out how to make is a better option. And for stability, as far as I'm concerned, I 'd rather know when I'm going to fire myself and not leave it up to someone else that could care less about me more than themselves.

Dad: I don't get it.

Son: Nope. You don't.

Hmmmmm. Does that sound familiar at all from family and friends when sitting around a table or on the phone? My guess is it probably hits a few nerves.

So what's my point? Surrounding yourself a few times a year with people that don't understand you is bearable because they are family and friends. But if that's the only time you find yourself talking about your business to others, basically in a battle zone, I promise you it's not mentally or physically helping you or your business.

Wouldn't it make more sense to talk to like minded people on a regular basis around a positive energy charged table or phone call? Enter the mastermind group.

If you're not in one, find one facilitated by someone you would like to emulate. And if you're already in one, maybe join another. As many heads more than one as possible to bounce ideas off of and get positive or constructive feedback from is a must for an entrepreneur heading up any sized business at any point in the business lifecycle.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to you!