I've been a business owner for almost my entire working life. I know that succeeding in business is more than just working hard. It's more than budgeting and cash-flow management. It's more than hiring and firing people. It's more than just making money.

Succeeding in business isn't one big happy dance along the way. Shit happens. One bad decision can lead to a cash crisis leaving no alternative but to surrender your paycheck so your employees can get theirs.

There's the crush of broken trust...

Loyal employees quit and become competitors...

Still believing in others even when your generosity is unappreciated...

Dealing with stress levels you never knew existed...

Business is tough.

Being a business owner is like running a gauntlet intent on testing your limits. Success goes to those with the tenacity to survive, adapt and endure. The weak and faint of heart always get weeded out.

But through all the tests of business toughness, there are things that make being a business owner a truly great life experience. These things keep feeding our spirit in the most unique and personal way possible.

Here are my six No-Compromise Leadership reasons why it’s great to be a salon or spa business owner:

1. Chase your vision: Turning an idea into a functioning business enterprise is truly worth the cost of admission to become an entrepreneur. Not a day goes by where I don’t feel that deep sense of pride in my company and the people that make it work. The tough times become nothing more than stepping-stones to what exists today. As each year passes, the vision becomes more refined and the determination to keep chasing it never seems to fade. In so many ways, your business embodies who you are and what you stand for. Chasing your vision is what gives you purpose.


2. Discover your true potential: It doesn’t take long for a business to test what you’re made of. A business tests your ability to innovate and problem solve. A business tests your ability to lead and inspire others. A business tests your ability to manage cash flow and make the best financial decisions. A business tests your ability to create structure, systems, shared accountability and culture, that is committed to delivering its best every day. A business tests your ability to identify and hire the right talent … and de-hire those that can’t make the grade. A business tests your ability to market your business and create a recognizable brand. Everything about owning and leading a successful business is about discovering your true potential.


3. The true potential of others: One of the true joys of being a business owner is the privilege of helping others discover their true potential. We recently completed the first week of training a new group of Certified Strategies Coaches. After all these years, that special glow that accompanies the fresh enthusiasm of those just beginning their career with Strategies is as bright as ever. Watching members of my leadership team evolve, grow and live the vision is a joy. I know all too well that the success of a business depends on people. More importantly, it depends on people with the opportunity to achieve their true potential. Yes, it is a special privilege and an honor to be a business owner.


4. Making a difference: I’ve learned over the years that one of the greatest things about owning a business is the opportunity to make a difference in the world. My passion has always been about coaching and teaching a better way to grow an extraordinary business. Every time a coaching client shares a breakthrough or success story, I get the same feeling of pride that sounds like, “This is what it’s all about.” Salons and spas make a difference in peoples lives every day … but there are those special moments when you know that difference is extra special. You feel it. You cherish the moment. It doesn’t matter if it’s an employee, a client or fellow business owner … making a difference in the lives of others is what defines the soul of a business. A business that’s all about making money and not making a difference in the lives of others has no soul.


5. Building value: Turning an idea or vision into a functioning business is about building something of value. It’s no different than buying a home so that over time it appreciates in value. Your vision becomes a real and tangible asset. As an entrepreneur, your years of hard work are supposed to reward you with a return on investment on the sale of the business. Creating value to a business requires a mastery of the operational, leadership and financial aspects of the business. Sadly, I talk to too many owners that, after many years of hard work, their business is worth little to nothing. Learn what it takes to create value operationally, as well as on your financial reports. It’s a reward worth fighting for.


6. Freedom: Owning your own business gives you freedom to chase your dreams and create the reality you want to live in. Yes, the business gods will throw you a curve every now and then, but you are the captain of your ship and you have the freedom to voyage wherever your vision desires to go. With that freedom comes responsibility. You must lead by example. You must be fiscally responsible. You must respect others to earn their respect. You must invest in developing the skills of your employees because their skills represent your brand. If the freedom of business ownership, and level of responsibility to others that comes with it, doesn’t sound much like freedom to you … employee-based business ownership may not be for you.