Small Business, Big Problems

If you are a small business owner, you know how worrisome it can be. You find yourself in the position of trying to be all things to all people. That is a heavy burden. Everyone wants an answer from you - employees, clients, contractors, vendors, customers, and your family.

Small business owners report that high employee turnover and finding reliable workers is a major challenge. There seems to always be problem employees, complainers who make "the company" out to be unfair and greedy, and of course you are the main villain in this picture.

Although you are painted as the bad guy or girl, you are worrying about how much of a raise you can afford to give employees while complying with all the regulations of the Occupational Safely and Health Administration and other government bureaucracies. Then you have discrimination codes and health insurance to deal with.

The list goes on: workers compensation, unemployment compensation, liability insurance, payroll tax reports, W-2s, 1099s, performance reports, etc. You may delegate a good deal of these responsibilities onto others, but you make the final call and take the hit if something goes wrong.

Meanwhile, you have to consider the economic aspects of your business. Are you using the correct strategies to target the right market? Are you keeping up with the demanding market conditions? Are your prices too high? Are your prices too low? How can you compete with big-box stores? You still have to read the reports that track your sales, measure your profit margins, detail your inventory, explain your net profit, and list your expenses. Now what about the cash flow problems? Are you going to be able to make payroll and pay yourself this week?

If you have a company vehicle or other equipment, you've got maintenance, safety, and insurance to deal with. Office equipment is just one more source of frustration. It's great that everything is done by computers these days - but think of the mess it can be if someone forgets to back up crucial files. Speaking of computers, has your web site been updated recently? Is your virus protection up to date?

The list of troubles to be faced daily goes on and on. Everyone wants to be paid. Dissatisfied customers want refunds. Contractors didn't meet their deadline. The computer crashes.

Small business owners have a lot to worry about. Spreading themselves too thin leads to stress, and in return stress can lead to depression, anxiety, heart problems, and difficulty in personal relationships. Family may begin to complain and feel that they have taken second priority. Vacations? Forget it. A small business owner is always "on call" even if a short vacation is manageable.

The truth is, a lot of small business owners wished they had never gone into business at all. Being your own boss is supposed to be a dream-come-true, not a daily hassle.

It's time to reevaluate.

If you are a frustrated small business owner and feel trapped, you may be looking for a new enterprise that will not be so strenuous - a way to create a stable income that still leaves you time for yourself and your family. You have already proven that you can succeed, you can only imagine how much more successful you would be.

Is there an alternative? According to a September, 2006, report by the U.S. Census Bureau, about 49% of small businesses to day are home-based, and the number is expected to continue rising. Why is a home-based business so appealing? No more storefront aggravations. Feelings of peace and freedom are present in a relaxed home office environment. There is more time to spend with your family.