3 Reasons Why You Should Think Like A 'Business-Of-One'

This post is part of the Professional Independence Project series. Despite the doom and gloom of the current job market, you’ll find that a revolution is forming that’s quickly changing the world of work as we know it. Many Millennials have jumped ship in favor of being their own boss, while older generations are learning to build side businesses in tandem with their day jobs. What do they know that most of us don’t? The economy has changed and we’re no longer handed a job upon graduating college. In fact, a college degree doesn’t do much to set you apart now, and you’re lucky if you can get a job at all. In 2012, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released an alarming stat; the average American worker stays at a job less than four and a half years.

You are responsible for creating your own job title and carving out a successful career.

This is why being the CEO of yourself is so important now. You are responsible for creating your own job title and carving out a successful career. We can no longer rely on having a secure job for the next 40 years and applying for Social Security during retirement at age 70. Both of these ideals are completely dead.

Why You Should Think Like A 'Business-Of-One'

Here are three reasons why everyone should think of themselves as a business-of-one.

1. Building a personal brand.

Whether it’s right now or in the future, you need to have the flexibility to control your income. The harder you work, the more money you can earn, which means that building your personal brand - with a good reputation - is key. What can a personal brand do for you? Well, a lot actually. For one, it can connect you with influential experts and help you get on the radar of industry experts. This comes in handy if you need to pull some strings to land a job, or if you want to work with big-name companies to become a brand ambassador.

2. Accurately build your reputation.

The Internet isn’t going anywhere, neither are social sites like Twitter or Facebook, so instead of shying away from these public outlets, it’s time to embrace them. You can control what the media says about you, and curate your own perspective. Media nightmares are a real thing, but you can put out those fires by establishing a personal website, while controlling what comments are shared about you and your business on social media. When a potential influencer, client, or employer does a search online, they’ll be able to view the accurate information about you, instead of pulling up rumors and other incorrect data. That is a priceless benefit to both you and your family. You can establish a reputation that even your children can lean on and use as a jumping off point.

3. Reaching independence and freedom.

Having the freedom to do what you want and create an unconventional lifestyle is something many of us crave. The only way to achieve this is to become the CEO of your life and create your own dream job. Career conscious go-getters no longer strive for work-life balance; instead, they strive for a blending of work and life that’s only available through a location independent lifestyle. Most bosses don’t allow work-vacations (called workcations) but if you’re the CEO, you can travel anywhere you want, while taking the work with you. This kind of freedom not only affects how and when you work, but your financial standing as well. You can have control over your income since you’re not wasting time building some else’s dream. You’re able to branch out into different income streams and diversify how you make a living. This nearly eliminates the possibility of becoming bored and enables you to reach the freedom you’ve been striving for. Essentially, the reason you should think of yourself as a business-of-one is because you are one! The economy and job market are no longer the same and in order to evolve with the new world of work you have to adapt at becoming the CEO of your life.

Want to take control of your career?

If you want to take control of your career, check out our fall series, the Professional Independence Project. Throughout the month of October, we will be sharing expert advice and insight on how you can build a successful career you love. Sign up now to get five FREE video tutorials that show you how to market yourself to anyone, anywhere. Start your path the professional independence. Sign up today!       Photo Credit: Shutterstock