Are you in control?

Tom Ledbetter asked me to speak to his business class this week.
This always makes me think about the joy of owning a business.
My wife and I have owned and operated seven since 1982.
It gives you a great sense of freedom -- and responsibility.
It gives you control -- the pathway to a happy life.
A Gallup survey of 100,826 people confirmed that’s true.
Business owners control their lives and are happy.
Employees feel controlled by others and aren’t.
"Despite the recession, it pays to be your own boss."
That’s the conclusion of Gallup editor Frank Newport.
"The more control you have, the happier you are."
"I’m happy," you may say, "and I work for someone else."
That’s great. You must work for an inspiring leader.
Not everyone does. The corporate life fosters managers.
You’ll find too few true leaders in corporate America.
I know. I left corporate America and won’t go back.
I share this because I’d like you to enjoy what we enjoy.
We embrace each day's challenges and opportunities.
We reap the rewards of our successes.
Is there an entrepreneurial heart inside you?
You could control your own work and life as an owner.
You control your time and, to a large degree, your income.
You’ll be happy. It’s the only way to live.
My "Ultimate Guide to Business" will be out this fall.
More about that later. For more on leadership, click here.
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