Is there anything wrong with going into business only for money and will I succeed?
“Of course, I went into business for the money.Sarah*,
In fact, I even knew the amount of money I want to make from my business from day one.
It isn't that I'm greedy or anything.
But I knew building this business will help me to be free to live the life that I want.
Free to focus my time on the things that I really wants to do and how I want to do them.
Yeah, things like being a professional marathon runner.
And for me, the money my business makes is a big part of getting that freedom”.
Marathon Runner and Owner of a Sports Store
“I grew up in this neighborhood. I used to live right across the road.Ekow*,
This place holds lots of good memories for me – and also some bad memories.
I mean this isn’t bad neighborhood or anything.
But then, people from this neighborhood keep being denied of job opportunities.
We hear stories all the time.
It even happened to my own big brother and two of my cousins.
Time and time again, people of this neighborhood have been denied jobs simply because they don't have money and big connections.
Our only sin is that, we’re hardworking people who barely have any business owners living in our neighborhood.
So, a big part of the reason why I started this construction business is the people of this neighborhood.
For me, this is all about helping my community.
I want to build a business that creates jobs and other opportunities for people in my community.
And I'm always ready to help in any way that I can.”
Builder, CEO and Owner of a Small Construction Business.
* Names in this article have been changed
Hm.
People like Ekow always make it sounds like they’re not in business for the money.
But that just PR talk.
Everyone is in it for the money
Anyone who tells you that she’s not in business to make money, is either lying or owns a business as a hobby.
Trust me, there’s nothing more important than delivering value, helping people, changing the world and what not.
But then, you can’t take care of yourself or help anyone if you’re broke.
That’s not to say you should be greedy or cheat your way to wealth.
Definitely not.
However, having a little bit of greed is Ok.
You need a bit greed in order to make money.
Without it, you can never make money in business or in anything.
“Culture can be made of fears and lies”
Yes, I know our culture believe that only greedy, ambitious and devious people own businesses,
And that, you can’t make money unless you sacrifice something.
Well, I call bullshit.
Yes, there are a couple of crooks and greedy people out there who give business and money a bad reputation.
But it doesn’t mean that only greedy and crooks succeed in business.
There are many more people who have made money in business by doing it in the clean and right way – you just need to know how.
Besides, people only make unnecessary sacrifices for money, because they don’t truly understand money and how to make more of it.
That’s why many hustle for money every day, sacrifice their precious time, health and dreams; watch life pass them by – and still end up poor.
With that said, know that there’s nothing morally wrong with going into business for money.
“Not enough for success“
That’s not to say you’re going to succeed though.
I know that sounds odd to say. Especially after saying “Everyone is in it for the money“
But the fact is, becoming a business owner cannot only be about the money.
The pain of owning a business is too great to tolerate just for money.
First off, if your only motive is money, you’ll stop at some point.
When problems show up – and they will. You’ll either give up or find ways to ignore them.
You’ll always make excuses to why something is not solved, done or handled.
And when your business finally starts to make some money, you’ll become lazy or complacent.
You’ll give up working on the things that’ll make your business healthy and sustainable.
Heck, you might even not improve on the things that are bringing in the money.
So, No.
Going into business only for the money, will definitely not be enough success.
“for something much bigger”
Sure.
There are many people who have made millions and billions of money in business – and continue to make more.
But, their motivation is not only money.
They keep on fighting and never give up despite the ups and downs – not only because of money.
They’re rather driven by something much bigger than just money.
Something that’s even bigger than recognition, power, fame, prestige, or even respect.
They do it for their freedom.
The freedom to live the life they badly want.
To build a business that doesn’t only make them money, but most importantly, also give them the power of choice.
The freedom and power to control what they do with their time.
Free to truly live life how they want – free to choose:
- what they do,
- when they do it,
- where they do it,
- and with whom they do it.
Not only for themselves. But also their families.
That’s their motivation.
Look, there are many ways to make wealth and live a fulfilling life.
But, if you really want to achieve it in business, then your reason has to go beyond just making money.
Small To Sprout 