Almost every day I hear someone say, “I want to be my own boss.”

To start a dance company, open a chain of pastry shops, create a web business, make art and sell it.

After I watched this video by Fred Wilson on this very topic, I would like to offer the following thoughts for anyone who is considering striking out on their own and being their own boss.

Ask yourself:

1. What kind of place would you like to spend the next ten years of your life working in?
2. Who would you like spending time with – you, a partner, a small group, large company?
3. What kind of money do you need to make?
4. What lifestyle do you want to have?

He advises people to think carefully about these questions, then work backwards and plan accordingly.  He describes ten examples of being your own boss so that you can compare notes with yourself to see which of those suits your particular set of goals.

I would add another question to the list above:

1. How can you create a better world?

It seems to me that any endeavor with that question running through its DNA is destined to rally community, and customers.

Enjoy the video.

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