“I have the equipment.  I have the experience.  I have the business idea.  I just can’t seem to get started.”

My client is working full time in a large construction supply business.  While he wants to transition to running his own business, he is finding it hard to start taking action to make it a reality.

I dug a little further as I sensed there was more to this story.

I challenged him: “Why do you want to start a business?”

He leaned back in the chair. Stared out the window, with a frown on his face.  He was struggling to find an answer.

When he did answer, his answer was softly spoken: “For my family”

 I pushed him to explain

He leaned forward, fixed his eyes on me: “I have a 2yo son and we plan to extend our family in the coming years.  I want to be part of my children’s lives growing up.  My thoughts are that having my own business will give me the flexibility to do that”

 I responded – “Most business owners often start out wanting more family time. How many do you know got that?”

 He took his time before responding:  “None that I know”

 “The reality never seems to match the intention.  Setting up and running a business is stressful which ends up with the owner having less time for himself and his family.”

 He looked back with eyes wide open in amazement.  “ I love the idea of having a business so much I did not consider what the cost to me and my family could be.  One thing I won’t compromise on is my family time!”

 “What do I do now?”

 My response:  “Have a conversation with your wife. Discuss and agree on what you both want to create for your family.  Then look at the strategies to create that life.  Running a business might be one of them – but only if you both fully understand how it serves what you are building together.”

He relaxed and committed to reaching out to his wife to have such a conversation.

He came in unable to start.  He left knowing why. The business was not the first conversation. His wife was.